February 19, 2006	Sunday	Muharram 20, 1427

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QUETTA, Feb 18: Poppy cultivation was halted in 10 of the 14 districts in Balochistan where the plant was cultivated in previous years, Regional Director of the Anti-Narcotics Force Brig Anwarul Haq said here on Saturday.

Speaking at a press conference along with ANF’s Joint Director Col Irfan Ahmed, he said that during a campaign against poppy cultivators, the ANF registered cases against owners of land, including some influential people, which resulted in the stoppage of poppy cultivation in 10 districts.

The ANF regional director said poppy had been cultivated in some areas this year that would soon be destroyed with the cooperation of provincial and local governments, ulema and other institutions.

“We will register cases against land owners and they would be brought to court for punishment,” he said.

He warned people involved in poppy cultivation to destroy their crops. Otherwise, he sai, they would face strict legal action, adding their property could be confiscated.

He said that during 2005 the ANF seized 17.4 tons of heroin, hashish, morphine and opium. He said 63 people involved in the narcotics business in Balochistan were arrested by the ANF and sentenced by a special court during the year.