The head of an allegedly state-supported group was arrested by the locals along with his dozen companions from Dalbandin near the Afghan border on charges of drug trafficking. A large quantity of drugs and a cache of weapons were also recovered from the detainees. Local sources have also confirmed the news and said that the detainees are members of a death squad.
According to the details, the arrestees include Shakeel s/o Dr Abdul Hameed and alleged death squad leader Mulla Shareef. The two were arrested along with their dozen companions by residents in Dalbandin and handed over to the local forces for legal proceedings. A large quantity of drugs and a cache of weapons and ammunition were also confiscated from them.
Local sources said the group was in Dalbandin to traffic drugs when their journey was cut short. They were chased and eventually cornered by the residents. They were then given to the Anti-Narcotic Forces.
The sources said that the detainees are members of a “death squad”, local militias comprising hardened criminals that work allegedly under the patronage of the Pakistan army. In exchange for their services, the forces have given them a free hand in the areas in which they operate. Resultantly, these militias are involved in crimes like “enforced disappearances”, ransom kidnapping, drug trafficking, target killing and burglaries.
Considering that they are brought up and supported by the Pakistani security forces, they will not remain in custody for long, the locals said.