CNF seizes illegal liquor, narcotics worth Rs78m in major operations

LAHORE, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 26th May, 2026) Punjab Counter Narcotics Force (CNF) recovered illegal liquor and narcotics worth over Rs78 million in separate operations conducted in Sheikhupura and Multan divisions ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, officials said on Tuesday.

Punjab Counter Narcotics Force Director General Brigadier Mazhar Iqbal said the force, acting on a confidential tip received through Helpline 1012, recovered illegal and substandard liquor worth Rs30 million from Bahar Colony in Sheikhupura, averting a potential tragedy and saving precious lives.

The DG said the operation exposed an organized liquor supply network operating in Lahore, Sheikhupura and Multan divisions during Eid festivities.

According to the spokesperson, the raid conducted on secret information revealed large-scale production of locally brewed liquor. Timely action by the force not only halted the illegal manufacturing process but also led to the arrest of suspects at the spot.

During the operation, authorities seized 24,910 litres of locally brewed liquor, including 182 cans containing 300 litres each, 17 fully filled tanks and two half-filled tanks with a capacity of 1,000 litres each. More than 3,200 bottles of 450ml liquor were also recovered.

Officials also recovered a 30 bore pistol, three magazines and nine rounds of ammunition from the accused.

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CNF DG Mazhar Iqbal said the arrested suspects had been handed over to the Excise, Taxation and Narcotics Control Department Punjab for further legal action.

He said every year hundreds of people in Punjab lost their lives due to the consumption of poisonous and substandard liquor, while many others suffered permanent disabilities. He termed the operation a major success in protecting public safety and human lives.

The DG further said the force had also arrested a gang involved in supplying narcotics to educational institutions in different cities of Punjab.

During the operation, authorities recovered 16 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, commonly known as Ice, worth approximately Rs48 million. A 40 bore rifle along with 10 rounds of ammunition was also seized from the suspects.

The anti-narcotics operation was launched after a confidential tip received at the Multan station of the force. Following 96 hours of surveillance at Sher Shah Toll Plaza, two suspects identified as Iftikhar Ahmed and Shabbir Ahmed were arrested for their alleged involvement in Ice smuggling.

During interrogation, another suspect, Muhammad Yaseen, was identified as the alleged supplier of narcotics to educational institutions across Punjab. He was later taken into custody after reportedly confessing to the offence.