Drug Smuggling from Afghan Border Rises by 50%, Tajik Anti-Narcotics Agency Reveals
Synthetic Drug Laboratories Active Under Taliban Rule; Large Cache of Weapons and Narcotics Seized from Smugglers
Dushanbe/Kabul: The latest annual report issued by Tajikistan’s national anti-narcotics agency has exposed major international drug-smuggling networks operating through routes along the Afghan border.
According to international media outlet Afghanistan International, the report reveals that cross-border narcotics trafficking has risen sharply under the Afghan Taliban regime. It further alleges that the suspected patronage of militant elements has placed peace and stability across Central Asia at serious risk.
Seventeen Afghan Smugglers Killed in Border Clashes; Narcotics Worth Millions Seized
According to operational details released by Tajik security forces, an extensive crackdown has been carried out against cross-border smuggling this year.
As a result of armed clashes and border operations, 17 Afghan smugglers have reportedly been killed, while 18 others have been arrested.
Record Drug Seizures and Operational Statistics
The report provided the following figures concerning narcotics seized along the border:
Recent operations: More than 601 kilograms of high-quality narcotics were recovered from the possession of 18 arrested Afghan smugglers.
Six-month performance: During the first six months of the current year, a total of 1 tonne and 513 kilograms of prohibited substances were seized along the Afghan border.
Sharp increase in drug trafficking: A record 2,742 kilograms of narcotics were seized at the Afghan border during 2025, representing an increase of more than 50 percent compared with 2024.
Security experts express concern: Defence and regional affairs analysts say Afghanistan’s economic structure is becoming increasingly dependent on illegal income generated through narcotics under the current regime, raising concerns that the country is moving towards becoming a “narco-state.”
Experts further warn that proceeds from drug trafficking may be used to purchase advanced weapons, creating a serious risk that terrorist activities in neighbouring countries could receive direct financial support.