Provincial depts asked to assist Anti-Narcotics Force

KARACHI – In order to eradicate the menace of drugs and save innocent people from this anti-social habit, the provincial departments should join hands with the Anti-Narcotics Force, Sindh Chief Secretary Subhan Memon said on Monday. The chief secretary was presiding over a meeting to discuss the under-preparation Drug Control Master Plan Sindh in accordance with the Drug Control Master Plan 2010-14.
The meeting focused on controlling trafficking and distribution of narcotic substances, reducing in the number of drug addicts through prevention and rehabilitation measures, developing public awareness against drug abuse and developing an education policy and curriculum for students. The chief secretary stressed the need to set up an anti-narcotics cell under the auspices of Sindh police with a view to speed up the task. It was decided in the meeting that the Excise and Taxation Department will float a summary for chief minister about the construction of a Provincial Narcotics Control Committee and the Excise and Taxation director general, being the focal person, would coordinate with Anti Narcotics Force and other concerned departments.
It was also decided that a two-day seminar will also be arranged for the awareness of the public and stakeholders within a fortnight. The Anti-Narcotics Force commander would arrange the seminar in collaboration with the Excise and Taxation, Health, Social Welfare, Education, Culture, Zakat & Ushr and Information departments. The meeting was attended by the Anti-Narcotics Force Commander Muhammad Wajid, Customs Intelligence Director Amer Ahmed, representatives of the Maritime Security Agency and secretaries of the concerned departments.