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In a major crackdown, 5,891 drug peddlers were arrested in Karachi this year as Sindh police intensified operations against the narcotics mafia targeting educational institutions and urban youth.
Inspector General of Police (IG) Ghulam Nabi Memon ordered strict action after the Special Branch reported growing drug abuse among students, especially in schools, colleges, and universities across the province.
In a law and order meeting, Memon expressed serious concern over the rising influence of drug peddlers in academic spaces and called for urgent investigation and enforcement actions.
The Special Branch’s report highlighted that teenage drug addiction is rising, with students falling victim to substances like hashish, ice, and heroin due to easy availability.
Parents send children for education, but drug dealers misuse the environment to trap youth into addiction, harming their health, future, and leading them towards crime.
Police said long-term drug use causes mental and physical damage. Despite awareness, the unchecked supply has made drugs easy to access at schools and even social venues.
Following Memon’s orders, Karachi police registered 4,965 FIRs. The South Zone led with 610 raids and 785 arrests, seizing 14kg ice, 2kg heroin, and 387kg hashish.
The East and West Zones followed, arresting over 1,200 suspects with large drug recoveries. Raids were also conducted across Hyderabad, Sukkur, Larkana, and other ranges.
Officials revealed drug dealers now use WhatsApp and social media for orders and payments, avoiding mobile tracking through unregistered SIMs and digital channels.
Students reportedly access narcotics in cafés and dance parties. Names and numbers of suspects have been submitted to police, and a larger crackdown is underway.
To counter this threat, a special committee of MPAs and officers will work with educational institutions. Faryal Talpur has urged tougher punishments and better conviction data.
