Puntland security authorities have announced a major crackdown on drug trafficking and abuse in Qardho, warning that narcotics are increasingly fueling crime and threatening public safety across the city.
Speaking to the media, Karkaar Regional Police Commander Lt. Col. Bashir Mohamed Mahmud said authorities have been instructed to take firm action against individuals involved in the sale, distribution, and use of illegal drugs.
The police commander said some drug users have resorted to firing weapons at passing vehicles and public gathering places, creating fear among residents and undermining security in the city.
He added that security agencies have also received numerous complaints about drug users driving through neighborhoods late at night while playing loud music, disturbing residents and disrupting public order.
Lt. Col. Bashir stressed that security forces will intensify operations targeting locations suspected of selling narcotics, while suspects already in custody will be brought before the courts to face prosecution.
The announcement comes as Puntland authorities continue efforts to combat drug-related crime, with officials warning that the spread of narcotics has become a growing security and social challenge affecting communities across the region.