Did Police in Western Afghanistan Just Seize 170 kg of Opium Poppy and Arrest Two Smugglers?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In a significant crackdown on drug trafficking, Afghan counter-narcotics forces seized 170 kg of opium poppy in Nimroz province, apprehending two smugglers. This operation underscores the Afghan government's commitment to combat illegal drug cultivation. Discover more about the ongoing efforts against narcotics in the region.
Key Takeaways
- 170 kg of opium poppy seized in Nimroz province.
- Two suspected smugglers apprehended.
- Ongoing campaign to eradicate illegal drug cultivation.
- Recent drug seizures in Ghazni and Paktia provinces.
- Nationwide ban on illegal crops enforced since April 2022.
Kabul, Nov 9 (NationPress) Afghan counter-narcotics forces have successfully confiscated 170 kg of opium poppy and apprehended two suspected smugglers in the Nimroz province of western Afghanistan, as announced by provincial police spokesman Gul Mohammad Qudrat on Sunday.
The confiscation occurred during a precise operation in the Zanjer Sharqi area along the Zaranj-Delaram highway, as reported by the Xinhua News Agency.
The Afghan government is ramping up its nationwide initiative against illegal drugs, committing to eradicate poppy cultivation and dismantle drug trafficking networks.
On November 4, authorities in eastern Afghanistan's Ghazni province reported the seizure of 225 kg of opium from a vehicle.
The contraband was cleverly hidden in concealed compartments and was uncovered during a routine search in the Muqar district on November 3. The driver fled the scene, and ongoing search operations are in place to locate the individual responsible for the drugs.
In a recent anti-narcotics effort, police also discovered and destroyed a drug processing lab in the eastern Paktia province.
On November 1, a local police officer revealed that Afghan counter-narcotics forces had eradicated 400 acres of illegal poppy farms in northern Badakhshan.
The operations focused on illicit crops in the Baharak, Jurm, Shuhada, and Darayem districts, according to provincial police spokesman Ehsanullah Kamgar.
Kamgar stated that security forces are determined to prevent the cultivation of poppy or any other banned crops in the province.
In April 2022, the Afghan government implemented a nationwide ban on growing illegal crops, including poppy and hashish.
Earlier in August, provincial police spokesman Ehsanullah Kamgar reported the arrest of a drug smuggler in northern Badakhshan, where 92 kg of opium poppy was found in his possession.
The smuggler had concealed the opium in the cavities of a car, attempting to transport it out of Badakhshan, but was identified and apprehended by the police. Kamgar added that the suspect, alongside his vehicle and the seized opium, is currently in police custody for further investigation.
Point of View
I recognize the pressing need for Afghanistan to combat the illegal drug trade. The recent seizure of opium poppy and the dismantling of trafficking networks reflect the government's commitment to improving national security and public health. Our collective approach must continue to focus on eradicating these harmful practices.
NationPress
09/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was seized by Afghan authorities in Nimroz?
Afghan counter-narcotics forces seized 170 kg of opium poppy in Nimroz province.
How many smugglers were arrested?
Two suspected smugglers were apprehended during the operation.
What is the Afghan government's stance on drug cultivation?
The Afghan government has intensified its campaign to eradicate poppy cultivation and dismantle trafficking networks.
What other drug-related activities have been reported recently?
Recent reports include the seizure of 225 kg of opium in Ghazni province and the destruction of a drug processing lab in Paktia province.
When did the Afghan government impose a ban on illegal crop cultivation?
A nationwide ban on the cultivation of illegal crops, including poppy and hashish, was imposed in April 2022.
