The equipment includes IT gear, personal protection gear, and 20 sniffer dogs
UNODC Country Office Pakistan (COPAK) with the support of the Government of Japan handed over advanced IT equipment, personal protection gear and 20 Narcotics-Sniffer dogs to Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) at the latter’s headquarters. The Federal Minister of Narcotics-Control Azam Khan Swati and Kuninori Matsuda, the Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan were also present at the occasion.
The IT equipment included hardware for automating Pakistan’s National Precursor Management System (NPMS), as well as networking among the ANF and other IATF members. 20 Narcotics-Sniffer Canine dogs and 40 bullet proof vests and helmets.
Japanese Ambassador Kuninori Matsuda assured that the Government of Japan continues to accord a high-priority to the peace-security-development nexus and will continue endeavors to build Pakistan’s counter-narcotics capacity. He also praised ANF for it services to the nation. Azam Swati highly appreciated the sustained support from the Government of Japan.
Narcotics a serious concern
There are an estimated four million drug addicts in Pakistan. The projected drugs users in the country are close to seven million. About 40,000 people fall into the addiction each year. The government has been cracking down on drug dealers for years but they have yet to overcome the problem entirely. Cannabis is the most commonly used drug though smuggled heroine from the neighboring Afghanistan is also a huge problem. Anti-Narcotics Force has been very active in breaking the cross border networks for years. The support from the international agencies is certainly much needed.