Pakistan: Anti Narcotics Force capacity enhanced to counter drug trafficking

Islamabad: Pakistan’s Anti Narcotics Force (ANF) has received key equipment that will boost its capacity to counter illicit drug trafficking and related transnational organized crime. The equipment provided under Japan-funded United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) US$6.5 million project will also improve coordination between ANF and members of the Inter Agency Task Force (IATF) for effective action against drug smugglers.

The equipment included hardware for automating Pakistan’s National Precursor Management System (NPMS) and for improving networking among the ANF and IATF members. Nearly 20 drug sniffer dogs and 40 bullet proof vests and helmets were also provided to enhance capacity in border areas, dry ports, airports and seaports.

The handing-over ceremony held at ANF Headquarters, Rawalpindi, was attended by Azam Khan Swati, Federal Minister of Narcotics Control, the Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan Kuninori Matsuda, Jeremy Milsom, UNODC representative in Pakistan and Major General Muhammad Arif Malik, Director General ANF.

Border security crucial

“The ANF continues to lead counter-narcotics efforts not only in Pakistan but has also contributed to several international interdiction operations,” said Ali Zulnoorain Sheikh, Deputy Director General ANF. The anti-narcotics agency is “making concerted efforts to nab drug traffickers who continue to exploit Pakistan’s geographical location next to Afghanistan and the shortest distance it provides to the international maritime routes”, he added. Pakistan is a transit and destination country for the drugs being produced in Afghanistan and is facing increased trafficking of psychotropic substances and synthetic drugs.

Japan supports fight against trafficking

The Japanese Ambassador agreed that enhancing the border security between Pakistan and Afghanistan is crucial for Pakistan’s security and regional stability. He stressed the need for capacity-building support to rid Pakistan of the menace of drug trafficking that threatens the health, human security and socio-economic development. Such measures would also aid resolve the issues of terrorist financing and money laundering and help Pakistan get off the FATF grey list, he added. Lauding the efforts of the ANF team, Mr Matsuda assured that “Japan stands committed to helping Pakistan eradicate all types of transitional crimes” and will continue endeavours to build its counter-narcotics capacity. In 2019, Japan hosted a meeting of Pakistan and Afghanistan officials in Tokyo to discuss preventing and countering drug trafficking.

UNODC appreciates ANF efforts

In his remarks, UNODC’s Jeremy Milsom acknowledged ANF’s counter-narcotics operations in which ANF personnel even laid down their lives while fighting drug traffickers. “It is a privilege to support a highly professional and competent force like the ANF in its continuing efforts to save the world from drug trafficking and drug abuse”. He added that multi-dimensional roles and cross-cutting mandates can be used as a force-multiplier, to address new risks and challenges.

Minister Azam Swati, appreciated the capacity-building support by the government of Japan as Pakistan’s long-term strategic partner through UNODC. “Pakistan is not going to tolerate the menace of drug trafficking and its negative consequences on the health and socio-economic development of Pakistan” and is focusing on a coherent and multilateral approach to prevent illicit drugs trade, he said.

While conducting 14 counter-narcotic strikes, the ANF recently seized 296.2kg of narcotics (hashish, heroin, opium and methamphetamine) worth US$16.17 million and arrested 11 culprits and confiscated 5 vehicles.