RASC News Agency: The General Intelligence Department of Kerman Province has reported that a group of armed drug smugglers who entered Iran from Afghanistan have been arrested by Iranian forces. The Islamic Republic News Agency, IRNA, published the report on November 29th, stating that the smugglers were identified and apprehended during a military operation. The operation also resulted in the seizure of a number of weapons, in addition to drugs.
The report further details that the Iranian forces were able to identify the storage location of the drugs and weapons and the hideout used by the smugglers. The operation resulted in the confiscation of 461 kilos of opium, 106 kilos of hashish, and 57 kilos of methamphetamine. Additionally, one 14.5mm cannon, two RPG missiles, one RPG, and 936 war bullets were seized.
Despite the efforts of Iran and other neighboring countries to combat drug trafficking from Afghanistan, the cultivation and sale of opium continue to be lucrative businesses for the Taliban-controlled region. The Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) has also expressed concern about the threat of drug trafficking from Afghanistan to the region and Central Asia. The recent operation by Iranian forces is a reminder of the ongoing battle against drug smuggling and the need for continued efforts to combat this illegal trade.
Numerous organizations and neighboring countries have previously voiced their apprehensions regarding the issue of drug trafficking originating from Afghanistan’s territory. However, the Taliban group persistently asserts their commitment to combating drug cultivation and smuggling within the nation.
