KHYBER: In a major crackdown against the rising menace of narcotics, police in Khyber District have carried out a large-scale anti-drug operation resulting in the seizure of 30 kilograms of methamphetamine, commonly known as Ice and the arrest of four alleged drug traffickers.
The contraband is estimated to be worth millions of rupees in the illegal drug market. The operation was part of a district-wide anti-narcotics initiative launched under the leadership of District Police Officer (DPO) Rai Mazhar Iqbal, as per the direction of Inspector General of Police Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Zulfiqar Hameed. The campaign aims to disrupt the operations of drug syndicates and protect the region’s youth from the destructive effects of substance abuse.
The operation began when SHO Landi Kotal, Adnan Afridi, along with Sub-Inspector Ajat Khan, established a special checkpoint at the Landi Kotal Bypass. Acting on intelligence regarding a possible drug shipment, the officers intercepted a suspicious vehicle. During a thorough inspection, 14 kilograms of ICE were discovered hidden within concealed compartments of the car.
The two individuals travelling in the car, identified as Mameen and Amanullah, were taken into custody immediately. Both are believed to be linked to a broader network involved in the distribution and smuggling of synthetic drugs in the region. Following their arrest, during preliminary interrogation, the suspects revealed information about a suspected drug storage and distribution hub, reportedly operating out of a private hujra (guest room) in the surrounding area.
Responding swiftly, the police conducted a follow-up raid on the identified location, where they successfully recovered an additional 16 kilograms of ICE. Two more suspects — Turab-ul-Haq and Masood, both residents of Khuga Khel and Pero Khel, respectively — were arrested at the scene.
All four suspects have been booked under multiple charges related to drug trafficking and possession. Investigations are ongoing to uncover further links in the supply chain, and more arrests are expected in the coming days.
In a press briefing, DPO Rai Mazhar Iqbal reaffirmed the department’s commitment to fighting narcotics with full force. He stated “This operation reflects our unwavering determination to eradicate drug trafficking from the district. Under the vision and directives of IGP Zulfiqar Hameed, we have intensified intelligence-driven and targeted actions against those involved in the sale and smuggling of drugs, especially synthetic substances like ICE, which are extremely harmful to our youth.”
He further emphasised the critical role of the community in this mission, urging citizens to come forward and report any suspicious activity or drug dealing in their neighbour-hoods.
“Narcotics are poisoning our society, and drug dealers are a threat to our future generations. We call upon all residents to treat this as a national responsibility. Only with collective efforts can we rid our society of this poison and safeguard the lives of our youth.”
This successful operation is part of a broader, province-wide campaign to dismantle drug networks and suppress the growing availability of synthetic drugs such as ICE, heroin, and other controlled substances. Authorities believe such efforts will significantly disrupt local distribution channels and help prevent the spread of addiction.
Law enforcement agencies are continuing to collaborate with intelligence units and community informants to map and dismantle larger drug rings operating across the tribal districts and adjacent areas.
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