Afghan-led Mission Destroy Insurgent Drug Manufacturing Operation

Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) and their partners from Australia’s Special Operations Task Group (SOTG) and the United States Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), have destroyed a major drug manufacturing operation in Helmand Province.

The joint operation uncovered 110kg of heroin, 90kg of opium and large amounts of precursor chemicals with an estimated Afghan street value in excess of US$7 million.

The ANSF’s National Interdiction Unit led the mission to Helmand to conduct clearances of known drug labs and narcotics network on 8 January 2012.

Commanding Officer of the SOTG, Lieutenant Colonel J - whose full name can’t be revealed for security reasons - said several personal weapons were also recovered during the mission.

“This is a significant blow to the insurgency as it will limit their ability to launch attacks on coalition forces in Helmand and Uruzgan provinces,” he said.

The drugs and drug manufacturing equipment were destroyed by SOTG personnel.

Lieutenant Colonel J said the continued success of counter-narcotics operations was having a measured effect on the insurgency.

“The destruction of the drugs and equipment will affect the insurgency’s ability to operate effectively for some time to come,” he said.

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