2 Afghan drug smugglers killed on Tajik border

Dushanbe, Feb 8 (AP) Authorities in Tajikistan say border guards have shot dead two drug-smugglers from neighboring Afghanistan trying to cross with a consignment of illegal narcotics. The State Security Services said today another two were wounded and fled, while a fifth was captured. It did not say why the guards opened fire. Officials say 10 kilograms (22 pounds) of heroin and raw opium were seized. A further 65 kilograms (143 pounds) of drugs, mainly hashish, have been intercepted in two other operations over the past week. Tajikistan says it took 6 tons of illegal drugs out of circulation in 2012. The UN believes around 20 percent of the heroin produced in Afghanistan is trafficked through Central Asia to Russia, Europe, and China. An estimated 100 tons of Afghan heroin passes through Tajikistan annually. (AP) NKPa2 Afghan drug smugglers killed on Tajik border Dushanbe, Feb 8 (AP) Authorities in Tajikistan say border guards have shot dead two drug-smugglers from neighbouring Afghanistan trying to cross with a consignment of illegal narcotics. The State Security Services said today another two were wounded and fled, while a fifth was captured. It did not say why the guards opened fire. Officials say 10 kilograms (22 pounds) of heroin and raw opium were seized. A further 65 kilograms (143 pounds) of drugs, mainly hashish, have been intercepted in two other operations over the past week. Tajikistan says it took 6 tons of illegal drugs out of circulation in 2012. The UN believes around 20 percent of the heroin produced in Afghanistan is trafficked through Central Asia to Russia, Europe, and China. An estimated 100 tons of Afghan heroin passes through Tajikistan annually. (AP) NKP SAP 02081845 NNNN