In a major crackdown, Peshawar police have successfully dismantled a sophisticated narcotics network that was being run by a gang of five women. This group had been secretly supplying dangerous drugs, including hashish-laced cigarettes, ice, heroin, and hashish, to the city's youth for an astonishing eight years.
Modus Operandi and Targets of the Gang
The gang operated with cunning discretion, disguising themselves as ordinary citizens to avoid detection. Their primary targets were students, college-goers, street vendors, and social media influencers. They strategically positioned themselves near educational institutions, busy city markets, railway crossings, and main roads during school and college hours.
Police sources revealed that the gang sold hashish-filled cigarettes for Rs300 and small, token-sized doses of other narcotics for Rs200–300. This pricing strategy made the drugs easily accessible to young people using their daily expense money. Each member of the gang reportedly earned up to Rs10,000 daily from this illicit trade.
A Long History of Criminal Activity
Investigations uncovered that members of this gang were not first-time offenders. Records show prior criminal cases registered against them at six different police stations across Peshawar. Despite brief periods in jail, they repeatedly returned to their drug-dealing operations, exploiting weaknesses in the law enforcement system.
City Police Chief (CCPO) Dr. Mian Saeed, who led the special team, stated, "The women disguised themselves as ordinary citizens, allowing them to operate unnoticed for years. They targeted the youth to ruin their future by luring them into addiction."
Ongoing Investigation and a Stern Warning
Dr. Saeed confirmed that investigations are actively continuing to trace the masterminds and the broader supply chain behind this network. He issued a strong warning, declaring, "After tackling the city’s land-grabbing mafias, Peshawar will not be a safe haven for drug dealers. We are committed to bringing all those involved to justice."
This case has raised significant alarm about the growing trend of drug use among students and the innovative methods employed by criminal networks to exploit urban youth. Authorities are now urging parents, educators, and community members to remain extremely vigilant and to report any suspicious activities in their neighborhoods to help combat this menace.
