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Islamabad: Federal Secretary Narcotics Control Division, Sohail Ahmed while chairing the meeting at Ministry of Narcotics Control Division, Islamabad said that Lahore Drug Free Project which was launched on direction of Prime Minister of Pakistan is achieving its targets.
The project comprises of multi pronged strategies which include drug demand reduction, drug supply reduction and treatment and rehabilitation of addicts. It was revealed that Lahore has been divided into nine zones and these zones have been allocated to interested NGOs for drug demand reduction activities.
From January to June 2011, 871 patients have been admitted in various hospitals including Mayo Hospital, Services Hospital, Punjab Institute of Mental Health and Ganga Ram Hospital. During this period 6178 cases were registered, 6403 persons were arrested including 17 Africans, 139 kg Heroin, 1003 kg Hashish and 42 kg opium were seized. It was also informed that various successful operations by ANF, FIA and police had been launched which resulted in smashing of drug dens.
It was also informed during the meeting that toll free helpline (0800-42424) has been established. The helpline number has been displayed at various places in Lahore and people have been informed to provide information about drug users, drug traffickers, drug dens and peddlers to facilitate operations by law enforcing agencies. The control room has been set up in which a rapid force with six vehicle has been deployed to handle drug paddles and users.
A Project Steering Committee under the chairmanship of Secretary Narcotics Control Division, Multi-Sectoral Task Force under the chairmanship of CCPO Lahore have been constituted to periodical review the implementation of Project.
Secretary Narcotics Control Division, Sohail Ahmed, directed ANF to ensure effective implementation of project to demonstrate its effect on the target group. He advised to involve Government of Punjab in provision of treatment and rehabilitation facilities .Director General Anti Narcotics Force Maj. Gen. Shakeel Hussain, and other officials also participated in the meeting.
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