LARKANA: The Larkana Range police has busted as many as 31 criminal gangs and killed as many as seven criminals in 268 police encounters in the entire Larkana Division from 01st January to July 5, 2017 which include hardened offenders of law who also carried head money. This was revealed by Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP), Abdullah Shaikh, here on Thursday. As many as 50 criminals were also arrested in injured condition, he said. As many as 3940 proclaimed offenders, 5913 absconders and 327 other accused were also arrested. Three hand grenades, 3 kg explosive material, one rocket launcher and shells, 16 K K rifles, 14 rifles, 143 guns, 275 pistols, 12 revolvers, 1997 bullets, 637 cartridges were also recovered from their possession, he added. Whereas one kilo gram & 530 grams opium, 520 grams heroin, 1660.537 kg hashish, 887 kg cannabis and large quantity of wine was also recovered in a drive against drug peddlers and dealers and social criminals. DIGP further claimed that such cases have also been registered against all the accused at various police stations of Larkana Division from whose limits they were captured. He said during all these actions five policemen were martyred and five were also injured. Abdullah Shaikh said that actions will continue against criminals to protect precious lives of the citizens and sacrifices rendered by the police will not go in vain. He further said that the criminals, their supporters & facilitators will be brought to justice at all costs. Published in Daily Times, July 7th , 2017.