OUR CORRESPONDENT
MARDAN: Commissioner Mardan Division, Nisar Ahmad, has directed the concerned departments to accelerate practical steps with comprehensive planning for the implementation of various tasks under the provincial action plan. He emphasized the need for strict action against drug dealers and smugglers, along with effective measures to curb drug abuse in the Mardan Division. He was addressing a review meeting held at the Commissioner’s Office conference room to evaluate the ongoing initiatives under the provincial action plan. The meeting was attended by officials from the Excise and Narcotics Control Department, Social Welfare Department, and the Prosecution Department. During the session, various departments briefed the commissioner on actions taken against the use of non-custom paid (NCP) vehicles, drug abuse, rehabilitation efforts for addicts, and prosecution of drug-related cases. According to officials from the Excise and Narcotics Control Department, a total of 6,118 kilograms of cannabis, 430 kilograms of heroin, 314 kilograms of opium, and 38 kilograms of methamphetamine (ice) were seized in operations conducted in the Mardan Circle since 2023. As a result, 387 FIRs were registered and 100 non-custom paid vehicles were confiscated. District Officer for Social Welfare, Muhammad Shoaib, informed the meeting that more than 2,000 drug addicts have so far received treatment and rehabilitation services at the Mardan Drug Rehabilitation Centre. Similarly, hundreds of individuals have been treated at the Swabi rehabilitation centre, where 113 and 60 addicts are currently undergoing rehabilitation in Mardan and Swabi, respectively. A representative of the Prosecution Department provided details regarding the sentences awarded to convicts in various drug-related cases. Commissioner Nisar Ahmad appreciated the performance of the departments and stressed the need for enhanced coordination among them. He also directed the formulation of a comprehensive awareness campaign targeting youth, especially students. The campaign will include seminars and awareness sessions at universities and postgraduate colleges to educate the public.
Leave a Reply