Federal Secretary Narcotics Control Division, Sohail Ahmed on Sunday said that Lahore Drug Free Project launched on the direction of Prime Minister is achieving its targets. The project comprises of multi-pronged strategies, which include drug demand reduction, drug supply reduction and treatment and rehabilitation of addicts.
He said this while chairing the meeting at Ministry of Narcotics Control Division. It was revealed that Lahore has been divided into nine zones and these zones have been allocated to interested NGOs for drug demand reduction activities.
From January to June 2011, 871 patients have been admitted in various hospitals including Mayo Hospital, Services Hospital, Punjab Institute of Mental Health and Ganga Ram Hospital.
During this period 6178 cases were registered, 6403 persons were arrested including 17 Africans, 139-kg Heroin, 1003-kg Hashish and 42-kg opium were seized. It was also informed that various successful operations by ANF, FIA and police had been launched, which resulted in smashing of drug dens.
It was also informed during the meeting that toll free helpline (0800-42424) has been established. The helpline number has been displayed at various places in Lahore and people have been informed to provide information about drug users, drug traffickers, drug dens and peddlers to facilitate operations by law enforcing agencies.
A project steering committee under the chairmanship of Secretary Narcotics Control Division, Multi-Sectoral task Force under the chairmanship of CCPO Lahore have been constituted to periodical review the implementation of the project.