Sindh govt conducting aggressive campaign to control drug abuse: Sukhdev
KARACHI: The Sindh Government Spokesperson, Sukhdev Hemnani, has announced that the provincial government has launched a comprehensive crackdown on drug abuse and trafficking, prioritizing the protection of youth and public safety.
These efforts align with the directives of President Asif Ali Zardari, who emphasized urgent and coordinated action against narcotics as a key priority at the outset of his presidential tenure.
Hemnani stated that Sindh is proactively working to curb the menace of drugs, particularly among the younger population. He highlighted the Sindh Control of Narcotic Substances Act 2024, which introduces stringent penalties, including 7–14 years imprisonment for drug use, 7 years for cultivation, and property seizure for drug sales.
Under this law, a dedicated Anti-Narcotics Force will be established, and the provincial cabinet has already approved the formation of three special courts to ensure swift processing and resolution of drug-related cases.
Elaborating on the government’s ongoing initiatives, Hemnani shared that the provincial administration is collaborating with both the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to combat narcotics usage. He further stated that the government aims to increase the number of rehabilitation centers to support individuals struggling with addiction.
Additionally, the Sindh government will soon establish a fusion center for intelligence-sharing and enhanced coordination among federal and provincial agencies to combat illicit drug trade. This initiative follows the successful model of the anti-terrorism fusion center set up in 2024.
Hemnani also highlighted the intensified operations by Sindh Police to control drug-related activities across the province. In a recent joint operation by Karachi Police and Rangers in Sharafi Goth, Malir, over 100 homes were raided. Meanwhile, the Home Department is working to secure border areas to prevent drug trafficking.
To encourage public participation, the government has launched a dedicated helpline (021-111-374-634) for citizens to report drug-related activities.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment, Hemnani stated, “The Sindh government remains fully dedicated to achieving a drug-free province through prevention, rehabilitation, enforcement, and legal reforms.”–-NNI
