Punjab CNF Seizes Illegal Liquor Worth Rs30 Million, Busts Drug Network Supplying Educational Institutions

Lahore, May 26 (Nazrana Times) Ali Imran Chattha

Director General Punjab Counter Narcotics Force, Mazhar Iqbal, has said that the Punjab Counter Narcotics Force, acting on a confidential tip received through Helpline 1012 a day before Eid-ul-Adha, recovered illegal and substandard liquor worth Rs. 30 million from Bahar Colony, Sheikhupura, preventing a potential human tragedy and saving countless lives.
According to details, the Punjab Counter Narcotics Force achieved a major breakthrough by foiling an organized and well-planned liquor supply network operating across the Lahore, Sheikhupura, and Multan divisions during Eid festivities.
The DG Counter Narcotics Force stated that during the operation conducted in Sheikhupura on the basis of secret information, it was revealed that large-scale production of locally brewed liquor was underway. However, due to the timely action of the CNF, not only was the illegal manufacturing process stopped, but the suspects were also arrested on the spot. A total of 24,910 liters of locally brewed liquor was seized, including 182 cans containing 300 liters each, 17 fully filled tanks and two half-filled tanks with a capacity of 1,000 liters each. In addition, more than 3,200 bottles of 450 ml liquor were recovered. The authorities also recovered a .30 bore pistol, three magazines, and nine rounds of ammunition from the suspects.
The DG CNF further stated that both arrested suspects have been handed over to the Excise, Taxation and Narcotics Control Department for further legal action.
He emphasized that every year in Punjab, hundreds of people lose their lives due to the consumption of poisonous and substandard liquor, while many others suffer lifelong disabilities. Therefore, this operation by the Punjab Counter Narcotics Force is being regarded as a significant achievement in protecting human lives and public safety.
The DG CNF further disclosed that, a day earlier, the Punjab Counter Narcotics Force had also arrested a gang involved in supplying narcotics to educational institutions in different cities. During the operation, 16 kilograms of high-quality crystal meth (“Ice”), estimated to be worth Rs. 48 million, was recovered. A .40 bore rifle along with 10 rounds of ammunition was also seized from the accused.
The anti-narcotics operation was carried out following a confidential tip received at Multan Station. After 96 hours of continuous surveillance at Sher Shah Toll Plaza, two suspects involved in Ice smuggling, namely Iftikhar Ahmed and Shabbir Ahmed, were arrested. During the investigation, the name of a third suspect, Muhammad Yaseen, surfaced, who was allegedly supplying Ice to various educational institutions across Punjab. Muhammad Yaseen later confessed to the crime and was subsequently taken into custody.
The DG CNF reaffirmed his resolve to show zero tolerance towards criminals involved in supplying narcotics to educational institutions, describing it as a heinous and extremely serious crime. He further stated that the Punjab Counter Narcotics Force will continue indiscriminate and strict operations against elements involved in the illicit trade of drugs and illegal liquor across the province.