Half-ton hashish find discovered by Afghan, coalition security forces

 

Afghan and coalition security forces conducting a combined mission near Azim Jan Kariz, Jan. 25, discovered a large drug cache in an area known for strong Taliban influences and operations. Soldiers from the 4th Kandak of the 3rd Brigade, 205th Afghan National Army Corps, and their partners from Combined Task Force Spartan’s 4th Battalion, 25th Field Artillery Regiment, were conducting a dismounted patrol approximately three kilometers south of Combat Outpost Azim Jan Kariz, when they discovered the find. The Soldiers determined the field contained 454 kilograms of hashish, or approximately 1,000 pounds of the illegal drug. Nearly an hour later, Afghan Soldiers had burned all of the hashish, without any injury or damage to Afghan and coalition security forces or local residents. Soldiers conducting patrols throughout Zharay and Maiwand districts routinely find drug caches including poppy and marijuana. The Afghan government prohibits the growth of illegal drugs, and has started an eradication campaign throughout the two districts. Poppy and marijuana crops are often used as a funding source for the Taliban insurgency, and destroying the crops has been a key objective for both Afghan government and security officials.

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