Afghan Police Destroyed Drug Lab, Arrested Six In Kunduz Province

Afghan counter-narcotics police

KUNDUZ, Dec 11 (NNN-ANA) – Afghan counter-narcotics police, destroyed a drug processing lab and arrested six people, on charges of involvement in drug business in Afghanistan’s northern Kunduz province, yesterday, provincial head for information and culture, Matiullah Rohani, said.

“Acting on a tip-off, the units of counter-narcotic police, launched an operation in Nikpay village of Khanabad district, in the wee hours of yesterday, destroying the lab and arrested six persons from the site,” Ruhani told reporters here.

The police had also uncovered a huge number of materials used in manufacturing heroin, from possessions of the arrested suspects, the official went on to say.

Afghan authorities have intensified crackdown on illicit drugs and those involved in the underground business, as security personnel arrested 12 alleged drug smugglers in the neighbouring Balkh province, last week.

The supreme leader of the Taliban-run caretaker administration, Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada, issued a decree in Apr, banning poppy cultivation and its processing. Since then, Afghan police have tightened fighting against illegal drugs.