ISLAMABAD, Oct 11 (DNA):Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Police have nabbed 370 suspects during a weeklong crackdown against criminal elements, recovering drugs, illegal weapons and ammunition, while checking 2,823 people, 1,149 houses, 235 shops, 52 hotels, 1,557 motorcycles and 565 vehicles during search and combing operations across the federal capital.

A police official told APP on Sunday that the operations were carried out during the past week as part of efforts to control crime, arrest wanted criminals and protect citizens’ lives and property.

The official said that among the 370 suspects, 296 were court absconders, proclaimed offenders and individuals with previous criminal records, while another 74 were held for alleged involvement in drug dealing and possession of illegal weapons.

Police recovered 5,550 grams of ice, 6,058 grams of hashish, 1,210 grams of heroin, 114 bottles of liquor, three guns, two daggers and 37 pistols of different calibres along with ammunition from the suspects.

He said cases had been registered against the suspects, while further investigations were underway.

Giving details of the search and combing operations, the official said police teams, under the supervision of zonal Superintendents of Police (SPs), conducted checks in different areas of Islamabad.

During these operations, police checked 2,823 people, 1,149 houses, 235 shops, 52 hotels, 1,557 motorcycles and 565 vehicles.

The official said 130 suspicious persons, 137 motorcycles and three vehicles were taken to different police stations for further verification.

Police also recovered six pistols and 31 bullets during the search operations.

DIG Islamabad Ali Waseem said Islamabad Police were working round the clock to protect citizens and control crime in the federal capital.

He said search, combing and intelligence-based operations would continue to ensure effective action against criminal elements.

The DIG Ali said police were also taking strict action against illegal weapons, public display of firearms and aerial firing under the “No to Weapon” campaign.

He added that special attention was being given to the arrest of proclaimed offenders and previously involved suspects, action against drug dealers and timely relief to citizens.

Ali directed police officers to respect citizens’ dignity and follow legal requirements during search operations while keeping a close watch on suspicious activities.