MIANWALI, Aug 16: A huge quantity of narcotics and illegal weapons has been seized in raids on drug smugglers and cases have been registered against the criminals, the district police chief told a press conference here on Saturday.

In its campaign against drug smugglers, the police seized a huge quantity of drugs and arms from a safe house of Sanaullah Kuteki in Kamar-Mushani, District Police Officer Tasadaq Hayat Malik told the press conference. He said the police seized 30kg charas, 2kg opium, 1kg heroin and two unlicensed automatic rifles, two pistols, a shotgun and bullets from Kuteki’s hideout. Although safe house owners Sanaullah, Faizullah, Sadiq and their three accomplices fled, the police arrested six people who allegedly brought a consignment of drugs and arms from tribal areas to the safe house. Police also seized two vehicles and a motorcycle, which were used to transport drugs to other parts of Mianwali district.

In another raid on Aug 14, Malik said, the police arrested drug smuggler Nasimullah of Laki Marwat with 10kg charas. Nasimullah was arrested when he was leaving for Multan.

It is learnt that Nasimullah has strong political connections because he funds election campaigns of various politicians and later uses them for various purposes. He was arrested many times in the past, but always escaped punishment by using his political connections.