LAHORE: Police claimed to have busted a network comprising seven members allegedly involved in stealing and selling medicines worth millions of rupees from government hospitals.
Organized Crime Unit (OCU) DIG Imran Kishwar says the operation uncovered complicity between government hospital staff and private medicine dealers.
Addressing a press conference alongside SPs Furqan Bilal and Imran Karamat Bukhari, the DIG confirmed the arrest of the seven suspects responsible for the theft and black-market distribution of medicines sourced from government hospitals.
Investigations revealed that the accused established a front company named Pak Medico, through which they laundered stolen medicines after tampering with official seals. These medicines were subsequently sold through medical stores and private hospitals across various cities.
The ringleader, Salim, employed as a storekeeper at the Lahore General Hospital (LGH), has been identified and apprehended alongside accomplices, including hospital employees Atif, Nadeem, and Tahir, as well as private medicine dealers Ahmed Raza, Ahsan, and Sulaiman Arshad.
A comprehensive investigation is ongoing, with authorities recovering a large cache of valuable drugs worth crores of rupees from the suspects.
The arrests were expedited with the aid of modern technology, IT specialists, public cooperation, and seasoned law enforcement personnel.
DIG Kishwar reiterated the commitment of the OCU Lahore to continue vigilant actions against criminal elements, ensuring rigorous prosecution and severe penalties for those found guilty.