Major operation planned against drug dealers

PESHAWAR: Police and other law-enforcement agencies have collected details of the major gangs and individuals involved in drug business, especially in sale and manufacturing of ice (methamphetamine), ahead of launching a crackdown to uproot the narcotics network in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, it has been learnt.

According to an official, actions are already underway against the dealers of ice, heroin and other drugs in Peshawar and other districts.However, a major operation is planned in coming days for which the Special Branch and other wings of the force have been assigned the tasks.

The cops are working to identify the major gangs, smaller groups and individuals involved in manufacturing, trafficking and sale of ice, heroin and other narcotics. “The authorities have specifically directed the concerned teams to collect details of the groups and individuals who are supplying ice and heroin to youth and students in hostels, universities, colleges and other educational institutions for a long time,” it has been learnt.

The cops are focusing on the gangs operating in parts of Peshawar, Khyber, Charsadda and some southern districts. When asked the Inspector General of Police Akhtar Hayat Khan said operations against ice and other drugs are already underway and will continue in coming days.

He said some major groups have been busted and a huge recovery has been made.A source said that a new drug fentanyl is the newest challenge to the law enforcement agencies that is also spreading fast.

“It’s a new version, more lethal than ice. As most of the raw material used in manufacturing of ice is controlled or banned, criminal gangs in many countries are using fentanyl now,” said an officer of the Excise and Narcotics Control Department. According to the experts the excessive use of ice makes an addict more aggressive who can harm anyone under the influence of the drug.