IGP Sindh orders crackdown on cops using gutka

KARACHI: Inspector General of Police (IGP) Sindh Ghulam Nabi Memon has directed all police units across the province to identify officers who consume gutka and mawa (chewing tobacco), warning that departmental action will be taken against those who fail to quit within 10 days.

The order comes amid growing health concerns and previous allegations of police officers’ involvement in facilitating the sale of these banned substances.

Gutka and mawa, widely consumed across Sindh, have been linked to severe health risks, including oral and throat cancer. Experts warn that the mix of tobacco, lime, areca nut, and other hazardous substances – sometimes even containing glass particles – damages mouth tissues and can cause cancer within five years of regular use.

IGP Memon has ordered to compile a list of gutka- and mawa-chewing personnel, and directed the regional police chiefs to submit reports to his office.

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The current Sindh government has made tall claims on multiple occasions to “completely eradicate the menace of gutka.” The IGP Sindh had also formed a task force to take action against gutka mafia.

However, reports suggest that past attempts by the police to curb the sale of gutka and mawa were compromised as criminally charged officers were appointed to anti-gutka teams.

A recent probe into gutka sales in Karachi’s Landhi area revealed that officers with known criminal records had been re-inducted into sensitive roles and were allegedly facilitating the supply chain.

Some officers involved were even accused of short-term kidnappings and extortion, raising concerns about accountability within the force.

While banned in many countries in the Middle East for being both health- and environment-damaging, gutka continues to be widely available in Pakistan due to lax enforcement and alleged official collusion.

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A recent medical study revealed that nearly 90% of mouth cancer patients in Pakistan were addicted to gutka. Whereas doctors treating cancer patients report that 60-70% of patients with mouth, throat, or oesophageal cancer in the country are habitual gutka users.