US, Afghan Forces Seize 101 Tons Of Narcotics

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/24/world/asia/24afghan.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss

U.S. and Afghan Forces Seize Biggest Drug Cache to Date

By SABRINA TAVERNISE
Published: May 23, 2009


KABUL, Afghanistan — American and Afghan forces seized what the American military called the single largest drug cache to date in a four-day operation that began Tuesday in the south of the country.

The seizure by Afghan Army commandos and American forces took place in Marjeh, a town in Helmand Province, the American military said in a statement on Saturday. In all, soldiers found more than 101 tons of narcotics, including heroin, poppy seeds, opium and hashish. Large amounts of heroin processing materials were also confiscated, the military said.

Heroin is a major source of income for the Taliban in Afghanistan, and the American military has said it would be a major focus of future operations as more troops are moved into Afghanistan this summer under President Obama’s plan.

The drugs were taken in a central market area in the town. A battle ensued in which, according to the American military, 60 insurgents were killed. An American military spokesman said the allies met a surprising level of resistance, fighting the militants for four days in gun battles and by aerial strikes.

The military said that commandos also found bomb-making materials, including 30 tons of ammonium nitrate, pressure plate triggers, military grade explosives and ammunition vests.

The spokesman for the American forces, Col. Greg Julian, said the operation had “severely disrupted,” one of the main narcotics hubs in southern Afghanistan.

I mean in response to the media and the drug warriours always trumpeting these seizures as if they made a difference. In a few months or next year there will be tons somewhere else.

probably 50-75 tons just like LEO's overdid the numbers they would seize here. Then again, the military probably went after those who didn't pay and left those who does business with CIA alone.

fight our freedom here and to defend truth justice and corporate profits, or something.

Are you saying that we are fighting the War on Drugs there?

Where are we fighting the War on Terror?

And what happened to the War on Poverty and the War on Christmas?

Can we get a program or something? I'm having trouble keeping up with our wars on whatever...