Hyderabad's War on Banned Chews: A Battle of Statistics

Drug Abuse

Posted by AI on 2026-01-01 23:23:57 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-02-04 17:48:38

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The Hyderabad Range police are waging a war against the illegal trade of Gutka and Mainpuri, but the numbers tell a complex story. With 4,601 First Information Reports (FIRs) and a staggering Rs663 million worth of banned items seized in 2025, the authorities have made significant strides in their efforts. However, this success is somewhat overshadowed by the fact that the financial blow to traders, spread across 6,217 individuals, averages a relatively modest Rs100,000 per person.

DIG Hyderabad Tariq Razzak Dharejo's recent disclosure of these statistics sheds light on the scale of the operation. The police have confiscated substantial quantities of the banned substances, including over 100,000 kilograms of Gutka and Mainpuri combined, along with raw materials. This operation is not just about numbers; it's a public health crusade, as these products are known to cause severe illnesses, including cancer. The Sindh Prohibition of Preparation, Sale of Gutka and Mainpuri Act, 2019, criminalizes their trade and consumption, yet the law's enforcement seems to be falling short, with even children allegedly accessing these harmful products.

The police's efforts extend beyond just chewable products, as they also target drug abuse. With nearly 5,000 drug peddlers arrested and over 3,800 FIRs registered, the Hyderabad Range police are making headway. However, the recovery of hard narcotics like ice and heroin has been relatively low, raising questions about the effectiveness of the crackdown. The police's battle against illegal substances continues, with the statistics providing both a measure of success and a reminder of the challenges ahead in ensuring a comprehensive crackdown on the illegal trade.

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