HYDERABAD:

Sindh Inspector General of Police Javed Alam Odho has said that the eradication of drugs from society cannot be achieved by law enforcement alone, stressing that a broader social effort is essential to curb the growing menace.

Addressing a press conference at the Hyderabad Press Club, he said it would be “living in a fool’s paradise” to expect a swift end to drug abuse without collective responsibility from society, particularly the media and families.He urged media outlets and civil society to play a stronger role in discouraging young people from using narcotics, including gutka and mainpuri, warning that the issue directly threatens the health and future of the younger generation. “Police can control the supply side, but the demand side requires public awareness,” he said, adding that sensitizing society is crucial for long-term prevention.

Odho said police are continuing a vigorous crackdown against drug peddlers across Sindh, adding that disciplinary action is also being taken against officers suspected of negligence or complicity. He noted that over the past four months, 35 suspected criminals were killed in encounters and 115 others were arrested in injured condition during operations across the province.