Tehran, March 08: Iranian Interior Minister Mostafa Mohammad-Najjar says Iran’s anti-drugs police have seized more than 400 tons of narcotics since March 2010.
The illegal drugs were seized during various operations across the country, Mohammad-Najjar said on Monday, adding the country’s police have improvised new methods in the fight against drug trafficking, Mehr news agency reported.
He made the remarks during a ceremony held to destroy some 42 tons of narcotics in the capital Tehran. Najjar also said at least 100 tons more will also be destroyed by the end of March.
In February, Iran’s interior minister said that the government has been leading a comprehensive campaign against drug trafficking into the country.
He said that dealing with major drug gangs was a top priority, and that the police as well as intelligence services were cooperating with the government in its fight against narcotics.
The poppy production and illicit drug trade in Afghanistan has come at a heavy cost to neighboring Iran.
With a 900-kilometer (560-mile) common border with Afghanistan, Iran has been used as the main route for smuggling Afghan drugs to narcotics kingpins in Europe.
The war on drug trade originating from Afghanistan has claimed the lives of nearly 3,700 Iranian police officers over the past 30 years.
Najjar said that Iran has spent more than $700 millions to seal its borders and prevent the transit of narcotics destined for European, Arab and Central Asian countries.
He also called on the United Nations and the European countries to support the anti-drugs measures by the Islamic Republic.
According to the UN, Iran ranks first among world countries in shutting down drug routes into its territory.
——–Agencies