Security Forces Seize 2.9-Tonne Drug Haul in SE Iran

Following a sensitive round-the-clock operation, the intelligence forces managed to seize a 2,869-kilogram haul of illicit drugs in the province.

The illicit drugs loaded onto two Toyota pickup trucks were smuggled into Sistan and Baluchestan province, a Farsi report by Fars News Agency said.

This is largest haul of illicit drugs seized by Iranian intelligence forces over the past years.

With its 900-kilometre common border with Afghanistan, Iran has always been used by the smugglers as the main conduit for transferring Afghan drugs to narcotics kingpins in Europe.

Iran has been fighting drug-trafficking over the past three decades paying a heavy economic and human price.

Nearly 4,000 Iranian police forces have lost their lives during the fight in the past four decades.  Meanwhile, Iran has spent over $700 million on sealing its borders and preventing the transit of narcotics destined for European, Arab and Central Asian countries.