LAHORE:
At least eight suspected drug dealers were killed in a series of alleged police encounters reported across the Gujranwala region in the past 24 hours as the Crime Control Department (CCD) said it had intensified its province-wide crackdown on drug networks.
The rallies reported in Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad and Sialkot followed the CCD’s announcement two days earlier of an aggressive campaign targeting drug trafficking and organized crime groups. Police claimed those killed were linked to the sale and distribution of crystal methamphetamine (ice) and had been under surveillance after intelligence suggested expanding supply routes and local distribution points.
A CCD spokesman said the operation had been scaled up across Punjab, adding that people involved in drug trafficking “would not be allowed to escape the grip of the law”. The official said the campaign would continue “without interruption” in the coming days.
In Sheikhupura, CCD teams conducted an operation against what officials described as a long-standing and “deep-rooted” drug network operating from Ghazi Kakka, Pakhiala. Police officials described the location as “effectively becoming a no-go area” allegedly housing major vendors.
According to investigators, the network operated from rented properties in housing societies along GT Road, Rana Town and nearby areas, using the locations as storage points before supplying drugs to Lahore and adjoining districts.
The officials alleged that stolen motorbikes from Lahore were routinely exchanged for drugs and that the group also used female couriers for transport.
Senior CCD officials said several previous attempts to raid “effectively a no go area” had failed due to information leaks. “Their daily earnings ran into millions of rupees,” an officer said, claiming beneficiaries in the system had repeatedly undermined earlier efforts.
Teams led by DSPs Raees Khan and Muhammad Ali Butt, along with DSPs Hussnain Haider, Farooq Asghar Awan and Mehdi Kazmi moved into the area from multiple entry points under the supervision of SP Aftab Phulrwan.
An intense exchange of fire continued for several hours. A suspected drug dealer was killed, reportedly hit by bullets fired by his associates, while the remaining suspects fled, according to police reports.
DSP Raees Khan was injured when a door frame collapsed on him while DSP Muhammad Ali sustained a leg injury. Both officials were declared out of danger.
After the standoff, the CCD brought in earthmoving machines and demolished nearly 10 houses that the department said had been used for drug storage and related criminal activities.
Although the CCD did not release consolidated casualty figures for the province, some reports suggested that more than dozens of suspected drug traffickers may have been killed in various operations since the crackdown began. Officials, however, said verified details would be shared once documentation from all districts would be collated.
