RASC News Agency: Foreign Policy has published a report indicating that Bashir Noorzi, also known as Haji Bashar, a prominent drug trafficker, has initiated trade with China with the backing of Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada following his release from Guantanamo Bay prison. According to the magazine’s report, released on Saturday, Feb 10, at least two “unknown” contracts in mining and petrochemicals have been awarded to Noorzi, offering no discernible benefits for the people of Afghanistan.
Continuing its narrative, Foreign Policy refers to Noorzi as the “Drug kingpin” and highlights that the “Heroin Empire of Noorzi” has been a key financial supporter of the Taliban’s protracted war in Afghanistan. The report indicates that this trafficker is currently regarded as part of the inner circle close to Mullah Hibatullah, the clandestine leader associated with the Taliban group. It is noteworthy that in September 2022, Noorzi was released from prison as part of an agreement brokered by the Biden administration for the release of Mark Frerichs, a member of the U.S. Navy SEALs who was held captive by the Taliban.
Meanwhile, despite the Taliban group’s consistent claims of combating drug production and trafficking in Afghanistan following their ascension to power, reports suggest that this continues to be a significant source of income for the Taliban group.
