In December, the Special Investigation Unit (SIU) of Karachi Police suspended officers investigating a case involving the alleged sale of part of a 508 kg narcotics consignment, valued at Rs280 million, seized during an earlier operation that led to 14 arrests. The SIU launched an inquiry led by West Zone Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Irfan Ali Baloch.
On December 1, Sindh Home Minister Zia-ul-Hasan Lanjar, Excise Minister Mukesh Kumar Chawla, AIG Karachi Javed Alam Odho, DIG West Irfan Baloch, and DIG CIA announced a major narcotics seizure at a joint press conference. The consignment reportedly included 468 kg of hashish and 40 kg of crystal meth. Officials said this is the largest drug seizure recorded in the city to date.
It was later alleged that the recovered drugs in SIU custody were being sold by DSP Wasif Qureshi and Sub-Inspector Aijaz Butt. They also faced allegations of accepting bribes from a convicted drug dealer and an excise officer in exchange for leniency in the case.
Sindh Home Minister Zia-ul-Hasan Lanjar took notice of the allegations, prompting Karachi Police Chief Javed Alam Odho to suspend DSP Wasif Qureshi and Sub-Inspector Aijaz Butt and order an inquiry.
Read: SIU cops allegedly involved in selling seized drugs
Speaking to the media on Tuesday, AIG Odho confirmed the suspension of the officers and said the investigation had been handed over to DIG West. “While the seizure of the narcotics was a significant achievement for police, it has unfortunately been marred by the misconduct of a few individuals,” he added.
Statements were collected from police officers and the 14 individuals arrested in the initial crackdown. Among them was Excise Department Assistant Taxation Officer Javed Rasheed, who was arrested after 50 kg of hashish and 10 kg of crystal meth were recovered from his house.
The report also alleged that the suspended sub-inspector and police officer accepted bribes from a drug dealer and an excise officer. While the charge of drug sale has been dropped, the bribery charge remains against Sub-Inspector Butt and Police Officer Rehmat.
According to the inquiry report, DSP Qureshi has been cleared of both the alleged drug sale and bribery charges.
DIG Baloch compiled the report and submitted it to Karachi Police Chief Odho, who will oversee the case.Latest News, Breaking News & Top News Stories | The Express TribuneSajid RaufRead More
