PISHIN (Kashmir English): Security forces and police demolished an ephedra processing factory in Pishin district after recovering ephedra, also known locally as Umaan, security sources said.
According to the sources, two intelligence-based operations were conducted at Station Colony in the Yaro area at around 12:40pm against the facility being used for the processing and manufacture of narcotics.
The 33,600 kilograms of recovered ephedra, which is often used in the manufacture of ICE (Sheesha), along with other confiscated material, were set on fire in the presence of police and district administration.
As per the sources, the seized material was estimated to have a market value of around Rs 268.8 million at an estimated rate of Rs 8,000 per kilogram.
Later, the factory premises used for illegal drug production were completely demolished to prevent the resumption of illegal production, sources added.
9 terrorists killed in Balochistan
Earlier today, security sources said that forces have killed more than nine terrorists in separate intelligence-based operations (IBOs) in parts of Balochistan.
According to the sources, the operations were conducted in Ziarat, Harnai, and Surab districts under Operation Rad-ul-Fitna-3.
Security sources say that the major operation was carried out in the mountainous area between Ziarat and Harnai on the basis of intelligence information.
During this operation, the security forces surrounded the hideout of the terrorists and effectively targeted it, as a result of which 8 terrorists were killed while their hideout was also destroyed.
In another operation, a terrorist was also killed in Hajika village of Surab district. Security forces laid a blockade in the area between Dasht Katai and Hajika, traced the movement of the terrorists, and completed the operation.
Authorities say that ammunition, magazines, hand grenades, walkie-talkies, motorcycles, and other equipment have been recovered from the possession of terrorists killed during various operations.
Sources added that security forces are firmly committed to continuing their operations until the complete elimination of terrorism in Balochistan and the establishment of lasting peace and order in the region.
