Did Police Really Set Fire to Over Half a Tonne of Illegal Drugs in South Afghanistan?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Over 500 kg of illegal drugs were incinerated in Kandahar.
- Significant crackdown on drug trafficking by Afghan authorities.
- Counter-narcotics police dismantled drug processing labs.
- Government commitment to combatting illegal drugs is evident.
- Authorities are actively pursuing drug smugglers and traffickers.
Kabul, July 21 (NationPress) Authorities incinerated over 500 kilograms of illegal narcotics in Kandahar province, southern Afghanistan, on Sunday, reported provincial police spokesperson Assadullah Jamshid on Monday.
The seized drugs comprised 130 kg of opium poppy, 480 kg of methamphetamine, and 660 stimulant tablets. These substances were collected over the last two months and were destroyed in a public spectacle, according to the official.
Officials emphasized that they will not permit anyone to engage in the production, processing, or trafficking of illegal drugs.
On the previous day, Afghan security forces dismantled two drug processing facilities and uncovered over 580 kg of illegal drugs in Farah province, located in western Afghanistan. This information was shared in a statement by the office of the Deputy Minister of Interior for Counter-Narcotics.
The counter-narcotics police conducted separate operations on the outskirts of Bakwa district, where they destroyed the drug labs and seized 589 kg of illegal substances. They also apprehended nine suspected drug traffickers, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
The interim Afghan government has intensified its efforts to combat illegal drugs and those involved in this illicit trade.
In a related incident on July 8, Afghan police successfully intercepted an attempt to smuggle 43 kg of illegal opium-type drugs and arrested two individuals in eastern Wardak province, who were implicated in the drug trade.
The suspects were caught attempting to transport the contraband, initially smuggled from northern Balkh, to western Farah province. They were intercepted in Maidan Shar, the provincial capital of Wardak, where the drugs were confiscated.
Following necessary inquiries, both detained individuals will be handed over to judicial authorities for further investigation, as stated by the official.
Additionally, police have initiated operations to eliminate hashish farms in Badakhshan province in northern Afghanistan.
During these operations, police discovered 1500 kg of opium poppy concealed within a liquid gas tanker on July 5 and apprehended a drug smuggler attempting to transport the drugs out of Takhar province, the official reported.