Low-quality fuel factory unearthed in Helmand

LASHKARGAH (PAN): Intelligence agents unearthed a factory producing low-quality diesel and arrested its workers in the capital of southern Helmand province, an official said on Monday.

Omar Zwak, the governor’s spokesman, told Pajhwok Afghan News National Directorate of Security (NDS) operatives discovered the factory in the Ahmad Shahi area of Lashkargah two days ago.

Haji Muhammad Wali, with the help of experts, allegedly produced a material similar to diesel from a mix of grease, plaster, acid and dust.  The product was sold after being mixed with diesel.

Zwak said the practice caused technical problems to vehicles and damaged people’s economy. The NDS personnel seized 59 barrels of low-quality diesel, 12 barrels of acid, 250 barrels of grease, an empty fuel tanker and a generator.

One of the detainees, Mohammad Wali, is currently under investigation. An NDS official, meanwhile, said factory workers had been released, but an Iranian citizen involved in producing inferior fuel was yet to be arrested.

Helmand Enterprises official Haji Shawali Zamin Dawari said they had set up a commission for monitoring the quality of fuel at pump stations. The filling stations selling poor-quality oil are sealed.

He acknowledged drivers complained of low-quality diesel sold in the province. Dawari asked detectives and judicial staff to punish adulterators to curb malpractices.

On the other hand, official concerned said they did arrest individuals involved in the sordid business but could not punish them because they were supported by powerful circles.

frb/mud

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