ISLAMABAD: Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) has so far provided free of cost treatment to 17,486 drug addicts at its Model Addiction Treatment and  Rehabilitation Centers (MATRCs).
The ANF is currently running three Model Addiction Treatment and Rehabilitation Centers (MATRCs) in Karachi, Islamabad, and Sukkur. The MATRC Sukkur has been established in 2018. The capacity of MATRC Karachi increased to 105 beds with the inclusion of 50 bedded Women and Juvenile Treatment Ward (25 each). Uplifting and expansion of MATRC Islamabad are in the process while four MATRCs are planned and will be functional soon at Quetta, Lahore, Hyderabad, and Peshawar.
Highlighting ANF achievements and endeavors during 2018, official sources on Sunday said in drug enforcement operations, 1184 cases were registered, 1376 culprits were arrested and 100.26 Metric Ton drugs and precursor chemicals worth of approximately US $ 1195.72 million were seized. The sources said internationally, 31 Coordinated Operations were conducted, 15.494 Metric Tons drugs have been seized and 78 criminals were arrested while 18 Drug Trafficking Organizations including five foreign organizations were busted. During the year, prosecution progress remained encouraging with a conviction rate of 95 percent and Rs. 43.199 million of assets have been frozen.
The sources said ANF has also burnt a total of 244.837 metric tons of narcotics worth US $ one Billion during multiple drug-burning ceremonies in 2018. To prevent smuggling of drugs into and through Pakistan, a number of operations were conducted in close collaboration with regional and other countries. International partners’ assistance in all fields has enhanced operational efficiency which is highly appreciable. During the year, a number of foreign delegations visited Pakistan in conjunction with anti-narcotics drive at the international and regional level. Border Liaison Offices have been established by China and Pakistan at Tashkurgan and Khunjrab.
After six years efforts, ANF was successful to host 13th Senior Officials Triangular Initiative Meeting in Pakistan which has strengthened bilateral relations to counter drug trafficking with Iran and Afghanistan. Future road map for cooperation has been drafted to be approved in Ministerial meeting in Kabul this year. The sources said the Force was following the policy of zero tolerance towards drug suppliers to youth and education institutions and is striving for the establishment of a Drug-Free Society.
In 2018, 400 awareness activities conducted with a special focus on education institutions. These activities included seminars, lectures, awareness workshops, sports events, anti-drug art, painting and speech competition, cultural show, stage play/drama, poster competition, free medical camps, anti-drug walks display of anti-drug awareness banners (including utility bills/tickets), distribution of awareness material and awareness through print and electronic media/media talk and social media.
Efforts are in hand to enhance capacity building of ANF in both strategic and operational domains. The capacity of the Force is planned to be increased from 3148 to 10,000 in a phased programme.  New Regional Directorate will be raised at Gwadar. Seven New Police Stations are being established. Legislative improvements have been processed for approval of the cabinet. Modern equipment being procured through the government and donors.