Was a Major Drug Bust Conducted in Western Afghanistan?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- 3 kg of methamphetamine seized in Nimroz province.
- 21 suspects arrested across multiple provinces.
- Ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking in Afghanistan.
- Government's commitment to a drug-free nation.
- Increased police operations targeting illegal narcotics.
Kabul, Nov 30 (NationPress) A significant haul of illicit substances was confiscated in the Nimroz province of western Afghanistan, with the perpetrator apprehended, according to local law enforcement officials on Sunday.
The accused drug trafficker was reportedly caught attempting to transport 3 kg of methamphetamine out of the province, but police intercepted his efforts and arrested him, as per Mawlawi Gul Mohammad Qudrat, the spokesman for the provincial police office, reported by Xinhua News Agency.
In a bid to combat the drug trade, the Afghan government, which prohibited the cultivation of illegal crops such as poppy and hashish in 2022, is committed to eradicating drug production, processing, and trafficking until the nation is liberated from the scourge of narcotics.
On November 16, the Ministry of Interior Affairs reported that Afghan counter-narcotics forces had seized a variety of illegal drugs, including crystal meth, and detained 21 suspected traffickers in operations spanning multiple provinces.
The confiscated drugs included 86 kg of raw hashish, 5 kg of crystal meth, a range of methamphetamine, stimulant tablets, and various other narcotic substances.
These drugs were discovered during a series of routine police operations, the statement noted.
A total of 21 individuals were arrested in connection with these incidents, the Ministry affirmed, emphasizing its unwavering commitment to eliminate the illegal drug trade.
On November 14, provincial police spokesman Nizamudin Omir stated that Afghan authorities apprehended a suspected drug trafficker and seized illegal narcotics during an operation in the northern Takhar province.
The detained individual was caught attempting to transport crystal methamphetamine and other chemicals used in heroin production to Taluqan, the provincial capital, where he intended to market the materials.
The suspect is now in custody for further investigation, according to the spokesman.
Afghanistan has ramped up its counter-narcotics efforts in recent years, launching targeted operations against trafficking networks, clandestine laboratories, and illegal markets.