KARACHI, 19 MAY (DNA) — Sindh Inspector General of Police (IGP) Javed Alam Odho on Tuesday said that several prominent names could emerge during investigations into the alleged high-profile drug dealer Anmol alias Pinky case, urging citizens to cooperate with authorities in efforts against drug trafficking. Addressing a press conference in Karachi, the Sindh IGP said that a task force is being
“We are forming a task force.
People should provide information to assist authorities,” he said, and added the fight against narcotics is the responsibility of every citizen. The statement from the top provincial cop came days after Pinky was arrested from her apartment in Karachi’s Garden area. However, the suspect denied the claim, alleging that she was detained in Lahore 15 days before being transferred to Karachi. Besides narcotics, the suspect is also facing murder charges and is currently in police custody on physical remand.
In his presser, the IGP said multiple cases had already been registered against Pinky, including cases by the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF), adding that many individuals linked to the narcotics business could be identified during the probe.He said the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) had been included in the investigation to examine banking transactions connected to the case, while the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) would also look into online drug sales.
The Sindh IGP said authorities were distinguishing between drug users and drug dealers, stressing that those involved in narcotics trafficking would not be spared. He revealed that police had arrested more than 1,000 criminals and seized 40 kilograms of crystal meth (ice) during ongoing operations. He said that Pinky mostly resided in Lahore and urged people not to glamorise the suspect.
Addressing the strict security present with Anmol during her court appearances, he emphasised that the police were keeping several “risks” in mind. “The nature of her business is such that there is a risk of many names emerging. One risk is that someone can harm her, so [investigations] do not proceed ahead,” he said. Anmol, during her court appearances, has alleged she was facing pressure from the police “to take names” of politicians and other influential persons.
Odho went on to cite police expertise, according to which suspects facing multiple cases remained “under stress”. “The objective is not only to protect others from them, but also to protect them from themselves,” he said. At the same time, he stressed, “We have not provided security to her as such; only what was appropriate and needed.”
During his media talk, the Sindh IG also emphasised that the police were “separating” drug users, from whom narcotics were recovered, and suppliers, who were buying drugs in bulk and circulating them ahead. He said that the latter were “more dangerous because they are also acting as suppliers and have a role in ruining society”.“We will not let them go under any circumstances,” he vowed. — DNA
