Balochistan Police arrest 198 suspects, recover arms and drugs, rescue 12 hostages

QUETTA, Jun 17 (APP): Balochistan Police have reported significant achievements in their ongoing province-wide campaign against criminal elements.

According to a press release issued by the police spokesperson, the special operation conducted over the past three weeks has resulted in the arrest of 198 suspects, the recovery of a large cache of weapons and narcotics, and the safe rescue of 12 kidnapped individuals.

The campaign, launched under the directives of Inspector General of Police Balochistan Muhammad Tahir, is being carried out across all seven ranges of the province with a strict zero-tolerance policy against crime.

During the operations, police seized 186 revolvers and pistols, 12 Kalashnikov rifles, 12 shotguns, more than 1,011 rounds of ammunition, and 143 magazines. In addition to the arms haul, police intensified their crackdown on drug traffickers, arresting 117 suspects and confiscating 364.9 kilograms of hashish, 6.375 kilograms of crystal meth, 10.2 kilograms of opium, 10 kilograms of crystal, along with 157 bottles of liquor and 40 beer cans.

The press release further detailed that 49 proclaimed offenders, 359 absconders, and 730 suspects involved in various crimes were taken into custody. Police also recovered seven stolen vehicles, 23 motorcycles, eight mobile phones, and Rs. 691,200 in stolen cash. Under Sections 550 and 114, 34 vehicles and motorcycles were impounded, while tinted glass was removed from 2,736 vehicles. Authorities additionally seized 75 liters of petrol and 10 liters of diesel during the campaign.

The spokesperson emphasized that police officers have been instructed to maintain courteous and respectful behavior with citizens, prioritize the resolution of complaints at police stations, and ensure transparency in all actions. Coordination with police in other provinces is underway to verify criminal records and exchange data of arrested suspects.

Reaffirming their commitment, the police stated that operations against criminal elements will continue without interruption to provide a peaceful and secure environment for the public. Citizens have been urged to cooperate with the force by reporting suspicious activities through complaint numbers displayed outside police stations or via the Police 15 Control helpline. The statement concluded by stressing that the campaign is designed not only to curb crime but also to strengthen trust and collaboration between the police and the community.