900kg of narcotics seized, destroyed in Helmand province

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

08.16.2010

Courtesy Story

ISAF Joint Command

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan and coalition forces destroyed close to 900 kg (2,000 pounds) of narcotics during operations in the Maiwand district of Kandahar province Sunday, Aug. 15.

In an effort to disrupt key narcotics networks in the province, combined forces identified a vehicle which has been known to be associated with a narcotics processing facility.

Afghan National Security Force personnel and coalition forces observed two men dismount the vehicle and begin to unload a significant amount of narcotics. The combined forces moved toward the target, detained the men and destroyed 600 kg (1,300 pounds) of hashish and approximately 290 kg (640 pounds) of opium, as well as an AK-47.

"The exploitation of couriers during this operation will provide details and further understanding of the trafficking system and lead to targeting of key individuals and their networks," said U.S. Army Col. Rafael Torres, International Security Assistance Force Joint Command Combined Joint Operations Center director. "This is important because the drug industry in Afghanistan is a major source of money for terrorist organizations."

• Date Taken: 08.16.2010
• Date Posted: 08.16.2010 09:45
• Story ID: 54649
• Location: KABUL, AF