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.
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Checked-by: Richard Lake