2012-09-S-011
For Immediate Release
 
 
KABUL, Afghanistan (Sept. 8, 2012)
Afghan General Directorate Police Special Unit and coalition forces recovered a large amount of narcotics, weapons and explosives, including more than 240 kilograms of heroin and 300 kilograms of opium, during a three-day operation in Washir district, Helmand province that began Thursday. During the course of the operation, after being attacked by small arms fire from unknown insurgents, the combined force returned fire, killing numerous enemy fighters. Afterward, the combined force discovered a large cache containing multiple pressure plate IEDs and components, homemade explosives, rocket propelled grenades, small arms and ammunition, most of which was destroyed in place. Sales from narcotics are believed to fund insurgent operations throughout Afghanistan, according to coalition officials. A post-operational assessment determined no civilians were harmed during the engagement. In addition, no Afghan National Security Force or coalition casualties were sustained during the operation.