The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Excise, Taxation and Narcotics Control Department has seized nearly one tonne of drugs in a major operation against narcotics in Peshawar.

According to the Excise Intelligence Bureau, 720 kilograms of hashish and 240 kilograms of opium were recovered from a Toyota Rivo vehicle bearing registration number SB-5069 Sindh. The total quantity of drugs recovered was 960 kilograms.

The department said that, on the instructions of Provincial In-charge Aqif Nawaz Khan, three special Excise teams set up a checkpoint near Jahaz Chowk based on intelligence information. When the teams attempted to stop the suspected Toyota Rivo, the driver sped away. The Excise teams chased the vehicle and intercepted it near Ring Road.

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According to the department, the suspect who fled the vehicle opened heavy fire at the Excise teams and resisted arrest. However, he managed to escape by taking advantage of the darkness.

A case has been registered at the Excise Police Station in Peshawar, while an investigation is underway to arrest the absconding suspect and other individuals involved in the drug trade.

Excise Minister Syed Fakhar Jahan described the operation by the Excise Intelligence Bureau as a major achievement and said there would be no compromise on the zero-tolerance policy against drugs.

He said there was no place for drug dealers in the province and that individuals and mafias involved in the drug trade would not be able to escape the law.

Syed Fakhar Jahan said protecting the younger generation from the menace of drugs was the government’s top priority and that operations would continue until drugs were eliminated from the province.

The Excise, Taxation and Narcotics Control Department said intelligence-based operations against narcotics would continue and be further strengthened.