Did Afghan Police Just Dismantle Drug Labs and Arrest Smugglers?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Afghan security forces dismantled two drug labs in Farah province.
- Over 580 kg of illicit drugs were seized.
- Nine smugglers were arrested during the operations.
- The government is intensifying its crackdown on drug trafficking.
- Operations are ongoing to eradicate illegal crop cultivation across various provinces.
Kabul, July 20 (NationPress) Afghan security forces have effectively dismantled two drug processing labs and seized over 580 kg of illegal drugs in the western region of Farah province, according to a statement from the office of the Deputy Minister of Interior for Counter-Narcotics released on Sunday.
The statement highlighted that the counter-narcotics police conducted separate operations on the outskirts of the Bakwa district, successfully destroying two drug labs and confiscating 589 kg of illicit substances. During these operations, nine suspected drug smugglers were apprehended.
The Afghan interim government has intensified its crackdown on illegal drugs and the networks behind them.
In a related incident on July 8, Afghan authorities intercepted attempts to smuggle 43 kg of illegal opium in eastern Wardak province, leading to the arrest of two suspects connected to the drug trade.
The alleged traffickers were found transporting the contraband, which originated in northern Balkh province, on its way to western Farah. They were captured by police in the provincial capital, Maidan Shar, where the drugs were also confiscated.
After undergoing necessary investigations, both detainees are expected to be transferred to the judiciary for further questioning, as stated by officials.
Moreover, police have initiated operations aimed at eradicating hashish farms in northern Badakhshan province. This campaign commenced in the Wardoj and Darayem districts, with plans to continue until all illegal crops, including hashish and poppy, are eliminated, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
Following directives from the Afghan interim government, law enforcement intends to rigorously control the cultivation of illegal crops, such as poppy and hashish, along with drug processing and trafficking.
During search operations on July 5, police discovered 1500 kg of opium poppy concealed inside a liquid gas tanker and apprehended a smuggler attempting to transport the contraband out of Takhar province.
In addition, authorities uncovered 7.5 tonnes of illicit drugs, including opium poppy and heroin, within the province.
On the same day, another operation in northern Baghlan province led to the discovery of illegal opium poppy drugs and the arrest of four suspects.
Counter-narcotics personnel also carried out two separate operations in the provincial capital, Pul-e-Khumri, and Julga districts, where they seized 61 kg of opium poppy.