16 held for attempting to smuggle arms, narcotics last month: MoD — Pajhwok

KABUL (Pajhwok): The Ministry of Defence (MoD) says Afghan security forces have arrested 16 people over the past month for allegedly attempting to smuggle weapons, ammunition, narcotics and other goods out of the country. According to a ministry statement, the seized items included nine cartons of various medicines and medical supplies, 23 bundles of detonating cord, 2,300 grammes of opium, 18 kilogrammes of methamphetamine, eight Kalashnikov rifles, two machine guns, seven M4 rifles, 12 pistols, 262 rounds of various types of heavy-calibre ammunition, six motorcycles, 56 vehicles and vehicle parts. The ministry said the suspects were detained while allegedly trying to illegally smuggle the items from Afghanistan to other countries. It added that the detainees were handed over to relevant judicial authorities after initial investigations.