The Taliban’s media office in Helmand says its forces have seized 20,444 kilograms of smuggled imported and exported goods, including food and non-food items, in the province over the past week.
In a statement issued on Sunday, August 30, the Taliban’s Helmand media office said the goods were seized in Lashkar Gah city, the Rabat-e Rig area of Bahramcha district, and along routes near the Durand Line.
According to the statement, the seized goods included 5,359 kilograms of human medicines, 3,600 kilograms of potatoes, 2,021 kilograms of fabric, 2,790 kilograms of fuel, 1,100 kilograms of “thread,” 848 kilograms of spare parts, 750 kilograms of sugar, 400 kilograms of tobacco, 300 kilograms of rice, and a number of other food and non-food items.
The Taliban also said they had seized 530 kilograms of hair being transported for export.
According to the Taliban’s claim, 20 people were arrested in connection with the smuggling, along with 15 vehicles.
The statement did not provide details about the origin of the seized goods or the countries from which they were exported. However, it said similar goods had previously been smuggled through Bahramcha into Pakistan and Afghanistan.
The development comes as trade between Afghanistan and Pakistan has faced disruptions for around 10 months. Restrictions on commercial routes between the two countries have reportedly prompted some individuals to attempt to transport essential goods through unofficial and smuggling routes.
Writer:Saeed Sameer
