QUETTA: In 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.
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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.
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The government called the anti-narcotics drive a national responsibility and urged state institutions and citizens to contribute.
The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Balochistan, Muhammad Tahir, a day earlier, stated that protecting the lives and property of citizens is the government’s top priority.
He made these remarks during a visit to the Balochistan Constabulary (BC) Headquarters at Badar Line in Quetta on Tuesday. IGP Tahir was given a detailed briefing on the department’s operations by Additional IGP and Commandant of the Balochistan Constabulary, Agha Muhammad Yousaf.
The IGP praised the BC force, acknowledging its “important role in maintaining law and order” throughout the province. He specifically promised that the problems faced by the youth within the constabulary would be resolved “at their doorsteps.”
