Drug addicts on the increase in Balkh capital

MAZAR-I-SHARIF (Pajhwok): Security officials say drug addicts from various northern provinces have arrived in Mazar-i-Sharif, the capital of northern Balkh province, somehow disturbing social life in the city.

Balkh police chief Brig. Gen. Syed Kamal Sadat told a press conference that families needed to be serious about caring their young children. He was briefing reporters about the seizure of 28 kilograms of narcotics.

He said the population of drug addicts on the sides of highways and in parks had increased and that they were busy working on a plan how to deal with the problem.

A resident of Mazar-i-Sharif, Mohammadullah, told Pajhwok Afghan News that dozens of drug addicts daily assembled in the evening at a park north of Hazrat Ali Shrine. He said people visiting the park felt uncomfortable seeing the addicts.

The resident urged security forces to take serious action for solution to the problem.

The police chief said the security situation in Mazar-i-Sharif attracted drug addicts from other provinces, particularly neighbouring provinces.

Sadat said he had discussed the matter with public health officials who cited the lack of rehabilitation centres to treat the individuals amid increased drug smuggling to the city.

However, he said police had blocked all smuggling routes and it was a second time this week that police confiscated drugs.

He said police on Monday seized 28 kilograms of hashish and 200 grams of heroin and arrested the traffickers.

About insurgent activities, the police chief said there was no area where the rebels area could face security forces.

He said last night four insurgents were killed after they attacked a security post in the Khulam district. The security forces escaped unhurt in the assault, he added.

He said insurgents had possible presence in parts of Chamtal, Char Bolak and Dawlatabad districts.

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