DUSHANBE, February 8, 2010, Asia-Plus – About 150 Afghans imprisoned in Tajikistan have been transferred to Afghan officials, RFE/RL''s Radio Free Afghanistan reported on February 6.

Afghan Foreign Ministry officials told RFE/RL that the prisoners were released on February 4 after a series of negotiations between Tajik and Afghan officials.

A ministry spokesman indicated that another group of some 100 Afghan prisoners is expected to be released from Tajik jails soon and will be handed over to Afghan officials.

Afghan Justice Ministry officials said most of the prisoners who were released will complete their sentences in jails in different parts of Afghanistan.

Most of the Afghans were arrested on the Tajik-Afghan border and found guilty of involvement in drug trafficking.

Tajikistan is often the first stop for heroin and other drugs on their way to Russia and other European countries.