Lahore, August 4, 2026: The Punjab Counter Narcotics Force (CNF) has intensified its crackdown on drug trafficking across the province, achieving significant success in recent intelligence-led operations. The campaign is being carried out under the special directives of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif as part of the government’s commitment to building a “Drug-Free, Healthy and Safe Punjab.” Over the past two weeks, the CNF conducted 85 intelligence-based operations across the divisions of Lahore, Dera Ghazi Khan, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Bahawalpur and Sargodha. These coordinated raids targeted major drug trafficking networks operating in different parts of the province. The operations resulted in the arrest of 93 suspected drug traffickers, while authorities recovered approximately 296 kilograms of narcotics with an estimated market value of more than Rs. 53.4 million. Officials described the operations as a major step toward curbing the illegal drug trade and improving public safety. The seized narcotics included a wide range of illegal substances such as hashish, opium, cannabis (weed), crystal meth (Ice), poppy straw, cocaine, heroin and five litres of illicit liquor. In addition to narcotics, the CNF recovered a significant cache of weapons from the suspects. These included 13 pistols, two sub-machine guns (SMGs), four rifles and seven drones that investigators believe were being used to facilitate criminal activities and drug distribution. Director General of the Punjab Counter Narcotics Force, Commander Brigadier Mazhar Iqbal, said the Force’s success should not only be measured by the quantity of drugs confiscated but also by its ability to dismantle organised drug trafficking networks across Punjab. He noted that the CNF continues to rely on modern intelligence gathering, professional expertise and coordinated operational planning to identify and eliminate criminal groups involved in the narcotics trade. He further highlighted the Force’s overall performance since it became operational in August 2025. According to the Director General, the Punjab CNF has recovered a cumulative 24.7 tonnes of narcotics valued at more than Rs. 2.23 billion. He described these achievements as evidence of the provincial government’s zero-tolerance policy against narcotics and the effectiveness of its law enforcement strategy. Commander Brigadier Mazhar Iqbal also credited the Force’s progress to close coordination among various law enforcement agencies, which has strengthened efforts to combat drug trafficking and disrupt criminal organisations operating throughout the province. Reaffirming the CNF’s commitment, the Director General said the Force will continue to launch vigorous and indiscriminate operations against drug dealers and traffickers. He stressed that intelligence-driven policing, enhanced operational capabilities and sustained enforcement efforts will remain central to achieving the government’s vision of a province free from the menace of narcotics. Punjab authorities have reiterated that the fight against drugs remains a top priority, emphasizing that continued action against traffickers is essential to protecting communities, safeguarding young people and ensuring a healthier and safer future for the province.
