LAHORE: Director General and Commander of the Punjab Counter Narcotics Force (CNF), Brigadier Mazhar Iqbal, while presenting the Force’s performance report on the occasion of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, stated that under the vision of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif for a drug-free, healthy, and secure Punjab, the specialised force, which became operational in August 2025, has so far prevented the supply of 24.5 tonnes of narcotics across the province.
Since August 2025, the Punjab Counter Narcotics Force has successfully conducted more than 2,250 operations throughout Punjab, resulting in the seizure of narcotics with an estimated market value of Rs. 2.2 billion. During uninterrupted operations against drug traffickers, the Force has also confiscated 26,700 litres of illicit liquor, more than 200 weapons, over 5,000 rounds of ammunition, and 16 quadcopters.
Brigadier Mazhar Iqbal further stated that more than 750 suspects have been arrested in 440 cases registered against drug traffickers. Trials have been concluded in 13 cases, with a conviction rate of 75 percent. Among those convicted, three drug traffickers have each been sentenced to 14 years of rigorous imprisonment, two to 10 years, three to 9 years, and one to 16 years of rigorous imprisonment.
The Director General highlighted that, alongside disrupting the supply of narcotics, the Punjab CNF is also working to reduce the demand for drugs by promoting public awareness about their harmful effects on health and society. Over the past nine months, the Force has organised more than 250 interactive awareness seminars in educational institutions across Punjab, where students are provided counselling and encouraged to voluntarily participate in anti-drug awareness campaigns.
For the first time in Punjab’s history, public participation has been institutionalised in the fight against narcotics. To facilitate the reporting of drug trafficking and drug abuse, the Punjab Counter Narcotics Force has introduced a dedicated Helpline 1012, while ensuring the complete confidentiality of informants’ identities.
Brigadier Mazhar Iqbal further stated that within a short span of nine months, the Punjab Counter Narcotics Force has expanded from operations in the province’s nine divisions to become fully operational in all districts of Punjab.
He reaffirmed that uninterrupted enforcement operations and awareness campaigns will continue to ensure a drug-free and safe environment for students and young people throughout the province.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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