CNF DG for collective efforts against drug menace

LAHORE, Apr 28 (APP):Counter Narcotics Force (CNF) Punjab, Director General Brigadier Mazhar Iqbal on Tuesday visited Fatima Jinnah Medical University (FJMU) and stressed the need for collective national efforts to curb the menace of drugs.
During his visit, the DG held a special session with Vice Chancellor Khalid Masud, faculty members and students, highlighting that the fight against drugs was not only the responsibility of the state but also the entire nation.
He said Punjab CNF was actively working to dismantle the drug supply chain and was simultaneously operating across nine divisions and 41 districts of the province.
Sharing performance details, Mazhar Iqbal said that 1,090 operations had been conducted during the past seven months, while attempts to sell over 21.1 tonnes of narcotics had been foiled since August 2024.
The DG further said that hundreds of calls had been received on the helpline 1012 regarding drug dealers, adding that the identity of informants was kept confidential.
He stressed that eliminating demand for drugs was as important as controlling supply and urged people to choose positive paths over harmful practices.
The DG advised youth to avoid substance abuse and instead follow healthy and constructive lifestyles, adding that awareness about the harmful effects of drugs should be promoted in society.
Highlighting emerging challenges, he said drug traffickers were using social media and drones for transportation, while the force was adopting modern technology to counter such tactics.
Mazhar added that policy-making at the federal level was underway to control vape and ice-related substances.
He urged educational institutions to report suspicious activities, ensure security arrangements in colleges, universities and hostels, and provide student counselling.
He also stressed the role of teachers and parents in monitoring children’s activities at schools.