Iran's War on Narcotics:Int'l Drug Network Disbanded in Western Iran

TEHRAN, May 11 (FNA)- Iranian intelligence forces clamped down on a major international drug network and seized over 620 kg of illicit drugs in the country's Western province of Lorestan.
A statement released by the public relations office of Lorestan's general bureau of intelligence said Iranian intelligence forces have successful identified and disbanded the ring which was involved in crack (condensed heroin) trade.

The statement added that 620 kg of crack was discovered by the Iranian forces in the operation.

The drug network smuggled narcotics from Afghanistan to Iran through the country's Southeastern borders and moved cargos on a route from the Southeastern Sistan and Balouchestan province to the Central Isfahan province and from there to other provinces, including Lorestan in Western Iran.

Iran leads international efforts in fighting drug networks and narcotic traffickers.

According to the statistical figures released by the UN, Iran ranks first among the world countries in preventing entry of drugs and decreasing demand for narcotics.

The United Nations credits Iran with the seizure of 80 percent of the opium netted around the world.

Iran lies on a major drug route between Afghanistan and Europe, as well as the Persian Gulf states. Since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, the Iranian police have lost more than 3700 of their personnel in the country's combat against narcotics.

During the past Iranian year (ended on March 20,) Iran seized more than 1,000 tons of opium smuggled from Afghanistan, the largest producer of opium poppy in the world.

According to official estimates, Iran's battle against drugs cost the country around $1 billion annually. Strategies pursued by Tehran include digging canals, building barriers and installing barbed wire to seal the country's borders, specially in the East.

Iran has recently established a central database and strengthened police-judiciary cooperation in a new effort to combat organized crime.

Every year, Iran burns more than 60 tons of seized narcotics as a symbol of its determination to fight drugs.