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Russia pledges $5.4 million for Tajikistan drugs menace battle

Russia was one of the main sponsors in the battle against drugs and is a reliable partner in fighting the drug threat from Afghanistan, rthe epublic's narcotics control chief says

Tajik-Afghan border at the Bahorak Tajik Border Guard post AP Photo/Burt Herman

Tajik-Afghan border at the Bahorak Tajik Border Guard post

© AP Photo/Burt Herman

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Russia to continue fighting against Afghan drug trafficking without NATO — ambassador

DUSHANBE, July 29. /TASS/. Russia has allocated $5.4 million to Tajikistan for a three-year campaign against illegal drugs, the Central Asian republic's narcotics control chief announced on Wednesday.

Russia was "one of the main sponsors in the battle against drugs and is a reliable partner in fighting the drug threat from Afghanistan", said agency head Lieutenant General Rustam Nazarzoda.

Tajikistan has the longest border with Afghanistan, 1,344 kilometers passing through remote mountainous terrain.

Reviewing progress in the struggle, Lt. Gen. Nazarzoda said his forces had seized nearly three tons of drugs, including more than 350 kilograms of heroin, over the last six months.

According to United Nations and Tajik special services, narcotics production in northern regions of Afghanistan bordering Tajikistan had fallen dramatically and that two areas were clean.

But international experts said production could be revived with an advancing Taliban movement, the chief warned.

Afghan authorities often said the Taliban was interested in expanding production for profits essential in financing international terrorism.

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Afghanistan Tajikistan Fight against drugs

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