Security forces in Iran have confiscated some nearly 140 kilograms of drugs of various types in the southern province of Shiraz, reported the official Iranian news agency, IRNA.
The police seized a consignment of 124.650 kilograms of hashish as well as 14.700 kilograms of opium, said the agency, adding that nine smugglers were arrested in the operation.
Iran is a major route in the drug trade, which originates from sources in Afghanistan and Pakistan to markets in the Arabian Gulf, Europe and beyond.
The Iranian government spent nearly $20 million last year in the fight against drug trafficking and also has armed thousands of villagers along its eastern border to help combat traffickers.
Official reports say 3,100 Iranian police officers have been killed in drug-related battles throughout Iran over the past two decades – Albawaba.com
