Quarter-Ton of Afghan Drugs Seized in Tajikistan

Dec. 13, 2012

DUSHANBE, Tajikistan — Authorities said they had seized a quarter of a ton of illegal drugs trafficked into the country from neighboring Afghanistan.

The security services said Thursday that the 216 kilograms of hashish and 9.5 kilograms of raw opium had been intercepted during three separate operations this week.

Tajikistan struggles to police the long, porous border with Afghanistan. Armed clashes between traffickers and troops are commonplace. Pervasive official corruption is said to hamper efforts.

Officials say they have taken 3.2 tons of illegal drugs out of circulation this year.

(AP)

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