Patrol Targets Smuggling Routes in Southern Afghanistan
ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan 2011-01-S-274 For Immediate Release Download PDF   KABUL, Afghanistan (Jan. 24, 2011) — A joint Afghan National Security and International Security Assistance Force vehicle-interdiction operation targeted insurgent smuggling routes in Kandahar and Helmand provinces, yesterday.  Several insurgents were killed and a large quantity of weapons and narcotics was found during the operation.  Acting on multiple intelligence reports and tips from local citizens, the patrol saw a suspicious vehicle parked outside of a small compound. As the patrol moved to search the vehicle and compound, they were engaged by two armed men. The patrol returned fire, killing the two men.  As the patrol moved further into the compound, they were met by another man who attempted to engage the force. The insurgent was engaged with accurate fire and killed.  During a search the patrol discovered two AK-47 rifles, associated ammunition, 60 pounds (27 kilograms) of pure heroin, 52 pounds (24 kilograms) of brown heroin and 1,895 pounds (860 kilograms) of wet opium.  The weapons and narcotics were safely destroyed on site.