LAHORE: The Punjab Counter Narcotics Force (CNF) claimed to have dismantled a well-organised inter-district drug trafficking network operating in Lahore.

Acting on credible intelligence, teams of the Lahore Narcotics Control Station (NCS) conducted a series of coordinated intelligence-based raids at Village Dhyal, within the jurisdiction of Batapur Police Station.

During the operation, two key members of the network, including a female drug trafficker, were arrested. The CNF recovered 24kg of high-grade heroin from their possession, with an estimated open market value exceeding Rs36 million.

According to a spokesperson, the operation also led to the recovery of a significant cache of sophisticated weapons, including one submachine gun (SMG) with six magazines and 377 rounds of ammunition, one M4 rifle with a magazine, three pistols (9mm and 30 bore), and more than 800 rounds of ammunition.

He said the operation resulted in the seizure of seven advanced drones, including one large drone allegedly used for aerial surveillance and transportation of narcotics. The teams also confiscated multiple drone batteries of different capacities, chargers and other high-tech equipment used to operate the drones.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the organised network was involved in supplying narcotics to various residential areas and in the vicinity of educational institutions across Lahore.

Published in Dawn, July 21st, 2026