QUETTA: Canadian High Commissioner Heather Cru­den and UNODC Represen­tative in Pakistan Cesar Guedes handed over essential operational equipment to the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) of Balochistan.

The assistance package comprising high-powered binoculars, night-vision devices and personnel safety equipment was received by Brig Adnan Azim, the ANF Commander of Balochistan.

The Canadian High Commissioner acknowledged challenges of drug trafficking being faced by Pakistan as the main transit country and the first line of defence.

“I sincerely hope that the equipment will add strength to the ANF’s operational capacity against drug trafficking in the country, which will have a greater impact on the world at large,” she said.

Recognizing ANF’s recent achievements and contributions to the international fight against drug trafficking, Mr Cesar Guedes reiterated UNODC’s resolve in closely working with Pakistan. “We look forward to our continuing efforts to address the challenges of drug trafficking, through all available means of international support,” Mr Guedes said.

Thanking the Canadian High Commission and UNODC Pakistan for the assistance, Brig Adnan Azim re-affirmed ANF’s commitment in combating the menace of drug trafficking in Balochistan. “The ANF’s operational staff is gaining enormous technical advantage due to the equipment and inter-agency specialist training courses being provided by UNODC,” he stated.

The equipment has been supplied by UNODC as part of its Pakistan Country Programme (2010-2015) which has been co-funded by the Government of Canada.

Published in Dawn, April 24th, 2015

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