Director General Anti Narcotics Force (ANF) Major General Muhammad Arif Malik on Wednesday reported drug enforcement operations in 2018; 1,184 cases were registered, 1,376 culprits were arrested and 100.26 metric ton drugs and precursor chemicals of approximate worth $1,195.72 million were seized.
Speaking with journalists, he told that internationally, 31 Coordinated Operations were conducted, 15.494 metric tons drugs were seized and 78 criminals were arrested. 18 x Drug Trafficking Organizations including 5 foreign organizations were busted. Prosecution progress remained encouraging with conviction rate of 95% and assets worth Rs43.199 million were frozen.
The DG ANF assured that the government, ANF and all organizations were fully committed to eradicate drug trafficking from the country through devotion to establish “Drug Free Society” with dedication and hard work. He informed that since its inception in 1995, the ANF had achieved major breakthroughs in combating this menace. Through concerted efforts, we have been able to eradicate major portion of Poppy from the country. Resultantly, Pakistan was enjoying the status of poppy free-state since 2001 as per standards of the UNODC.
Pakistan was more vulnerable to drug trafficking due to increased poppy cultivation in Afghanistan. As per UNODC Drug Survey Report, estimated cultivation in Afghanistan is 6,400 MT Opium, which will produce 300 MT Heroin along with 3,400 MT Raw Opium. ANF is following policy of zero tolerance towards drug suppliers to youth and education institutions. Strict measures had been taken to neutralize drug trafficking peddlers around education institutions. So far, 137 cases were registered, 163 criminals were arrested and 2,518 kg drugs were seized.
“As we are well aware that menace of narcotics is not only a curse, but it is one of the most damaging and life-threatening activity for humanity which has its effects not only limited to the addict but his whole family. I can assure you that with dedication and help of the media, we will continue to put in relentless efforts to uproot this menace.” The government and ANF were committed to thwart drug abuse and trafficking in country. The DG ANF also said that a single country or organization could not fight against drugs solely; but it was a shared responsibility at global, regional and national level. It had become a global concern, he maintained.
Arif Malik further stated that ANF was deployed all over the country: 5 RDS, 29 PSs, 13 Airports, 17 Dry ports, 4 seaports and 6 border crossing points. Though smaller in size with a total strength of 3,148 personnel, it has been confronting many challenges to execute its mission of establishing “Drug Free Society” with absolute commitment, dedication and passion. Despite the gravity of situation, the ANF remained cognizant of its responsibility to counter drug menace through a three-pronged strategy to fulfill its mandate i.e. drug supply reduction, drug demand reduction and international cooperation.
Drug supply reduction was ensured by prevention of drug trafficking, poppy eradication, prosecution, assets investigation and precursor control mechanism. Drug demand reduction was done through awareness campaigns, community participation and treatment and rehabilitation of drug addicts and via international cooperation. Being signatory of all UN conventions, the ANF was working in close coordination with international partners to counter this menace.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, ANF has also burnt a total of 244.837 metric tons of narcotics worth one billion US dollars during multiple drug burning ceremonies in 2018.” He said the growing trend of use of illicit drugs by the youth was a source of concern. The ANF had been playing a leading role in mass awareness and community participation programs to educate the people against drug abuse. All segments of society were urged to play their role in eradicating the menace of drugs. In 2018, 400 awareness activities were conducted with special focus on education institutions.
Capacity of ANF was planned to be increased from 3,148 to 10,000 in phased program. New Regional Directorate would be raised at Gwadar. In addition, 7 x new police stations were being established. Legislative improvements have been processed seeking approval from the cabinet.
Published in Daily Times, January 10th 2019.
