Pubdate: Mon, 05 Oct 1998 Source: News Network Int'l. Pakistan Website: http://www.nni-news.com Contact: NARCOTICS AVAILABLE IN MUSLIM TOWN RAWALPINDI (NNI): Muslim town has turned into den for narcotics smugglers who are selling drugs without any fear. The business is in full swing but law enforcing agencies have shut their eyes towards such a heinous crime. Youth of the area are special target of the drug traffickers. Earlier the "traders of death" used to keep contraband with their chest and only the selected people or their regular clients knew about the secret places of the business. But now the situation is totally different and drug traffickers have as usual succeeded in purchasing the conscience of the police officials. Now everyone can have easy access to it as the drug trafficking has assumed the shape of a legal business. Residents of the area said that the heroin smugglers have almost held the police officials hostage who have now given them a free hand to do whatever they want. They said that no crime can ever raise its head without the support and backing of the law enforcing agencies. The crime is even nipped in the bud in rare cases where the agencies particularly the police department realise that nobody would come to grease their palm. In such a case, they demonstrate their efficiency and honesty and even the mediamen are invited to give coverage to the event. The dwellers of the area said that they have registered numerous complaints with the concerned police station and even approached the higher authorities when no action was taken by the area police. But after immense pressure from the high ups, the local police officials arrest the drug addict and registered a case against him instead of the drug traffickers. The police officials also claim recovering few grams of heroin which is nothing but to hoodwink the people. The residents of the area have appealed to the concerned departments and officials to take serious note of this grave and horrible issue which has posed a serious threat to the life of the people. - --- Checked-by: Richard Lake