Chitral’s Drug Supply Chain Persists Despite Police Action; Residents Call for Strategic Change

Chitral Express — Special Report: The need to intensify action against drug dealers and end the scourge of drugs in Chitral has become increasingly urgent. Use of the dangerous drug known as ‘ice’ is reportedly rising at a worrying rate in the district, drawing in young people and shaking the foundations of society.

According to sources, Chitral Police continue to conduct daily operations against drugs and share details of arrests on social media, a positive step. However, the drug trade has not stopped and its supply has not fallen despite these operations, underscoring the scale of the problem.

Weak investigations and quick bail: a major concern

Residents and members of civil society have expressed serious concern that drug dealers are arrested but soon released on bail and return to the same illicit business. Their quick release points to serious weaknesses in investigations and prosecution, which drug dealers are exploiting.

The trade has also taken the form of an organized network. Arresting one operative does not dismantle it; others continue to run it, allowing the network to retain financial support and backing.

Traditional methods are not enough: a call for strategic change

Local elders say the overall law-and-order situation in Chitral is satisfactory, but the supply and growing use of drugs are now the biggest challenge for police in both Upper and Lower Chitral. They say conventional policing has not been enough to control the problem and that the police strategy needs a change.

Key proposals

• Village-level committees: Establish local committees in every village to counter drugs, on the model of the Village Defence Committees formed to support law and order.
• A coordinated action plan: Prepare a joint plan involving the police, district administration, security agencies, the Excise Department, political and social organizations, the media, and the Bar Association.
• Disrupt the supply chain: Strengthen monitoring at entry points and checkpoints to stop drugs arriving in Chitral from other districts, and dismantle local networks without delay.

Residents and members of civil society stressed that it will be impossible to stop the local drug trade and use until the supply chain is dismantled at its roots.

Source: Original Urdu report.