Rawalpindi Excise Department's Zero Drug Seizures in January Spark Concern
The Excise, Taxation and Narcotics Control Department in Rawalpindi district has come under intense scrutiny after failing to recover any narcotics during the entire month of January. Despite being mandated to conduct daily anti-narcotics operations, the department's performance has been labeled as extremely disappointing by observers and officials alike.
Daily Operations Yield No Results
Throughout January, the department's teams carried out routine visits to educational institutions, including colleges, universities, and major schools. They also established checkpoints at various intersections and roads across Rawalpindi district. However, not a single seizure of cannabis, heroin, opium, ephedrine, or alcohol was made. Shockingly, despite daily search operations, authorities failed to recover even an amount equivalent to a single cigarette's worth of narcotics.
Government Initiative Falls Short
The Punjab government had previously established a dedicated wing within the Excise Department with the explicit goal of eradicating drug trafficking. In Rawalpindi district, this specialized wing is staffed by two Inspectors, Babar and Jahangir, who are supported by ten constables and ten private civilian personnel. From January 1 to 31, these teams conducted raids across the district, yet they achieved no tangible results.
Lack of Legal Action
Adding to the concerns, not a single First Information Report (FIR) has been registered in connection with these operations to date. Reports indicate that the FIR register remains untouched, reportedly sitting idle in a desk drawer. This lack of legal documentation raises questions about the effectiveness and accountability of the anti-narcotics efforts in the region.
The situation highlights a significant gap between the department's operational activities and their outcomes, prompting calls for a thorough review of strategies and resource allocation to combat drug trafficking in Rawalpindi.
