Five-member task force formed to deal with gutka, narcotics businesses

A five-member task force under the Sindh Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) additional IGP has been formed to curb the production and sale of gutka, mawa, mainpuri and other narcotics substances declared as prohibited items through the Sindh Prohibition Preparation, Preparation, Manufacturing, Storage, Sale and Use of Gutka Mainpuri Act, 2019 and Control of Narcotics Substance (Sindh Amendment) Act, 2021.

The other members of the committee include the Special Branch DIGP, Crimes/Investigation DIGP, Headquarters DIGP and CPO Operations AIGP, according to a notification issued by Samiullah Soomro, the Operations AIGP for the Sindh inspector general of police.

The provincial task force committee would notify its range-wise teams (RTs) that would have officers of known integrity and repute. They would also include the SP concerned of the Special Branch nominated by the Special Branch DIGP.

According to a notification, the provincial task force against gutka, mainpuri and narcotics shall have these terms of reference and mandate: The task force shall act against criminal gangs and their members who are involved in the manufacturing, transport and distribution of gutka, mawa, mainpuri and other narcotics substances in an organised manner.

The operational command of the RTs shall rest with the CTD additional IG, who shall plan the conduct of operations, whereas the Special Branch DIGP shall provide actionable intelligence and nominate officers of impeccable repute as part of RTs.

The task force may act on its own information or intelligence reports received through the Special Branch DIGP regarding organised activity related to the preparation, manufacturing, storage, sale and use of gutka, mawa, mainpuri and other narcotics substances being done at large scale.

The task force shall have the mandate to operate in any part of the province of Sindh and shall have jurisdiction throughout the province. The task force shall formulate its recommendation to curb the menace and keep the IGP informed periodically about its progress. For conducting raids and operational duties, the task force shall have the authority to seek logistic and human recourses from any unit of the Sindh police.