Dushanbe. June 14. “Asia-Plus” -- Officers from the Regional Department of the Tajik Drug Control Agency under the President of Tajikistan for Sughd area have suspended the activity of another group of drug traffickers which used to traffic heroin from Afghanistan to Russia through the territory of Tajikistan.

On June 2 this year in the course of a special counter-narcotic operation using the “controlled delivery” method Tajik drug fighters have arrested a 34-year-old citizen of Tajikistan, who had previous criminal records, with more than 3.5kg of heroin.

Other accomplices were identified in the course of the investigation, DCA’s press service reported. Thus, 2 sacks with 25 cellophane packs with powder-like substance of light-beige color and with specific smell, were found and withdrawn in Khujand from B., who has previous criminal records under article 200 part 3. The sacks were withdrawn on June 12 this year.

“According to the laboratory analysis, the withdrawn substance was identified as heroin. The total weight of the withdrawn heroin was 24kg 965g. Approximate price of the given drug is $175.000, but prices usually several times higher if heroin is sold in Russia or in Europe,” the source said.

At the moment all members of the criminal group are arrested and are kept in custody in Sughd area. A criminal case was launched under article 200 part 4 (illegal turnover of narcotics or psychotropic agents). “If they found guilty they will face from 12 to 20 years in prison with confiscation of property,” the source added.