Punjab CNF seizes 24.5 tonnes of narcotics in first nine months
The Punjab Counter Narcotics Force (CNF) has seized 24.5 tonnes of narcotics worth an estimated Rs2.2 billion during its first nine months of operations, Director General and Commander Brigadier Mazhar Iqbal announced on Saturday.
Presenting the force’s performance report on the occasion of the International Day Against Drug Abuse, Brigadier Mazhar Iqbal said public participation had been formally integrated into Punjab’s anti-drug strategy for the first time, describing it as a major step towards building a drug-free society.
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He said the specialised force was established in August 2025 under the vision of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif to ensure a healthier, safer and drug-free Punjab. Since becoming operational, the CNF has carried out more than 2,250 successful operations across the province, disrupting major drug trafficking networks.
Besides narcotics, the force confiscated 26,700 litres of illegal liquor, more than 200 weapons, over 5,000 rounds of ammunition and 16 quadcopters during its province-wide crackdown.
According to the DG, the CNF registered 440 cases against drug traffickers, resulting in the arrest of more than 750 suspects. Trials have so far concluded in 13 cases, achieving a conviction rate of 75 percent.
He said one convicted trafficker was sentenced to 16 years of rigorous imprisonment, while three received 14-year prison terms. Two offenders were awarded 10-year sentences and another three were handed nine years of rigorous imprisonment.
Brigadier Mazhar Iqbal said the force was focusing not only on disrupting the supply of narcotics but also on reducing demand through sustained awareness campaigns highlighting the devastating impact of drug abuse on individuals, families and society.
Over the past nine months, the Punjab CNF has organised more than 250 interactive awareness seminars at educational institutions across the province. The sessions included student counselling programmes and encouraged young people to actively participate in anti-drug initiatives.
He also highlighted the launch of the dedicated 1012 helpline, enabling citizens to confidentially report drug trafficking and drug-related activities. He assured the public that the identities of informants would remain fully protected.
Brigadier Mazhar Iqbal added that the Punjab Counter Narcotics Force had expanded from operating in nine divisions at its launch to becoming fully functional in all districts of the province within just nine months. He reaffirmed the force’s commitment to continuing both enforcement operations and public awareness campaigns to help provide students and young people with a safer and drug-free future.
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