Russia concerned over increased drug trafficking from Afghanistan

FAKHRABAD (Tajikistan), August 27. /TASS/. Russia’s Federal Drug Control Service (FSKN) has expressed its concerns about the increasing drug production in Afghanistan and huge heroine stocks near Tajikistan’s borders, FSKN chief Viktor Ivanov said on Thursday. "Afghanistan produces nearly 700 tonnes of opium (seven tonnes of heroine) annually," Ivanov told reporters at Tajikikistan’s Fakhrabad military base following the first stage of anti-drug drills. "One third of this amount is realized via the Northern, Southern and Balkan drug traffic routes, the rest is kept at underground warehouses," he added. "Drugs trafficking countermeasures are the main purpose of the drills," Ivanov said. "Special forces will improve practical skills at carrying out search and ambush operations on blocking channels of drug trafficking, seizing illegal drugs, arms, ammunition and explosives." More than 1,000 representative of law enforcement agencies of CSTO (Collective Security Treaty Organization) are taking part in the Thunder 2015 large-scale drills against drug trafficking. The drills will continue until September 3. Read more