QUETTA: In a successful operation on the outskirts of Quetta, the Balochistan Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) intercepted an auto-rickshaw and recovered 45 kilograms of hashish, foiling a major smuggling attempt.
The operation was launched after ANF teams acted on a credible tip-off, leading them to track a suspicious auto-rickshaw. The vehicle was intercepted and searched in the Jable-Noor area, where officials discovered the large stash of narcotics.
Following the seizure, authorities arrested the individuals involved and registered a case against them under the Anti-Narcotics Act 1997. An investigation is now underway to identify and apprehend the smugglers’ handlers and wider network.
This seizure is part of a broader provincial crackdown on drugs. The Balochistan government has launched a widespread campaign, which has included the destruction of thousands of acres of illegal drug crops across the province.
Also read: Balochistan destroys 570 acres of drug crops in major crackdown
n a major crackdown, the Balochistan Anti-Narcotics Force and district administrations have destroyed 570 acres of illicit drug crops, primarily hashish, across the province.
The operations are part of the ongoing “Drug Eradication Campaign 2025,” ordered by the Balochistan Home Department. A significant portion of this total was destroyed in a single day, with action taken on 111 acres.
Officials reported that the largest operation was conducted in Qila Abdullah district, where drug crops spread across 289 acres were eradicated. Modern machinery was used in the raids, and several First Information Reports (FIRs) have been registered in different districts.
Authorities have stated that this campaign is a crucial step towards a drug-free Balochistan and have pledged to intensify the efforts in the coming days.
Read more; Balochistan launches anti-drugs drive on Field Marshal Asim Munir’s orders
The Anti-Narcotics Force and local agencies began operations this week to destroy poppy crops and dismantle drug dens across the province. Officials said the aim is to eliminate narcotics cultivation and trafficking permanently.
Security teams have already cleared several areas of poppy fields and targeted networks involved in production and smuggling. Authorities said the campaign also seeks to break links between drug cartels and militant groups.
To prevent farmers from returning to poppy cultivation, the government plans to provide alternative livelihoods. Officials said breaking the drug-crime-terror nexus requires a sustainable strategy.