KARACHI, March 31: Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan stressed the need for better coordination between all the anti-narcotic organisations working in the province. In this regard, he issued directive for implementing a comprehensive strategy for the elimination of narcotic dens and action against their patrons without any discrimination.

Dr Ibad was presiding over a high-level meeting held at the Governor’s House here on Friday. The meeting was attended by senior Minister Syed Sardar Ahmed, Adviser M.A. Jalil, Principal Secretary Mohammed Saleem Khan, Secretary Excise and Taxation Mir Hussain Ali and others.

The governor directed the provincial excise department to identify drug addicts and make result-oriented efforts for their rehabilitation.

The meeting was informed that despite limited resources, performance of the excise department was relatively better than other organisations.

Dr Ibad called for strengthening of intelligence network for the elimination of narcotic dens and other sources and ordered to take effective measures against this menace.

The meeting was informed that under the excise department, four regional directors excise were working in the interior of Sindh besides director excise Karachi. In addition there are excise and intelligence officers posted in every district.

The governor called for coordinated efforts to check spread of narcotics inter-provincially as well as in the interior of the province.

It was stated that during the current year, 117 cases of narcotics were registered, 225 persons arrested while 25kgs of heroin, 5,062kg charas, 17kg opium and 456kg bhang was recovered from those arrested.—APP