Bashir Hussain Azad
CHITRAL: The Lower Chitral Police arrested 43 suspected drug dealers and recovered nearly 14 kilogrammes of charas along with other narcotics and locally brewed liquor in the last two weeks.
This was stated by District Police Officer (DPO) Muhammad Khalid Khan, who has taken the charge recently.
Addressing a press conference at his office, Khan shared details of the district police’s recent performance, including action against drug trafficking, illegal weapons, theft, traffic violations and other criminal activities.
According to the DPO, police recovered 13.895 kilogrammes of charas, 55 grammes of opium, 562 grammes of ice, 20 grammes of heroin and 74 litres of locally brewed liquor during the anti-drug campaign.
In operations against illegal weapons, police seized one shotgun, three pistols and 67 rounds of ammunition.
Khan said police also made progress in four reported theft cases, tracing and arresting suspects and recovering six stolen motorcycles. The motorcycles are to be returned to their owners after the completion of the required procedures.
In a separate case, police traced a murder in the Shishi Koh area of Drosh within 24 hours and arrested a suspect, the DPO said.
Public outreach and traffic enforcement
The DPO said police had organised open forums in different areas to hear residents’ complaints and concerns. Officers were directed to address police-related issues, while matters involving other government departments were referred to the relevant authorities.
Awareness sessions were also held at educational institutions and mosques, focusing on drug prevention, suicide prevention, mental health awareness, road safety and the role of young people and communities in maintaining a safe environment.
Khan said police had deployed helpdesk personnel at all police stations to guide visitors, assist with complaint registration and facilitate access to relevant officers. He also held a police Darbar to hear the concerns and suggestions of police personnel and issued directions for resolving their legitimate problems.
On traffic enforcement, police launched a campaign against illegal laser lights, high-intensity LED and flashing lights fitted to motorcycles, rickshaws and other vehicles. Action was also taken against underage motorcycle riders and illegal rickshaws, while parents were urged to prevent children below the legal driving age from riding motorcycles.
The police also took action against the illegal use of fireworks and firecrackers to maintain public safety and order.
Police training and new facilities
As part of efforts to improve the force’s professional capacity, police personnel took part in firing practice and a general parade. Traffic police officers also attended a refresher course on traffic laws, professional conduct and public dealing.
Khan said a police facilitation centre had been established in Drosh to improve access to police services. Renovation work was underway at the new office, while the Police Facilitation Centre in Zargarandeh was also being refurbished.
The DPO reiterated that Lower Chitral Police would continue its efforts to curb crime and drug trafficking, protect citizens and their property, improve traffic management and provide more accessible, public-friendly policing.
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