Police in southern Sindh arrest dozens in crackdown on drug networks near schools and colleges

KARACHI: Police in Pakistan’s southern Sindh province have arrested over 60 suspected drug traffickers operating near schools, colleges and universities in an ongoing crackdown aimed at curbing rising drug abuse among students, officials said on Wednesday.

Launched in May, the operation targets “A+ category” drug networks, including those deemed most dangerous due to their proximity to educational institutions.

“Out of 69 drug mafias active around educational institutions, 60 have been arrested,” said the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of the Special Branch, Sheeraz Nazeer, at a high-level meeting, according to a statement.

Alongside arrests, police have shut down 27 of 31 identified drug dens and detained 38 suspects linked to online drug sales in which narcotics were distributed to students through mobile apps and courier services.

This crackdown comes amid growing public alarm over youth drug abuse in Pakistan’s major cities.