DUSHANBE, July 28, 2011, Asia-Plus – Tajik border guards have warded off an attempt by Afghan drug traffickers to smuggle a large amount of narcotics into Tajikistan.

The source at one of Tajik power wielding structures told Asia-Plus Thursday afternoon that Tajik troops on a routine patrol spotted a group of Afghan drug traffickers numbering 12 people who were illegally crossing the border river in Shouroobod district, Khatlon province late Wednesday.

“When the border guards tried to detain them, the trespassers opened fire on them,” said the source, “As a result of skirmish eight Afghan drug traffickers were killed.”

A large amount of firearms and more than 50 kilograms of narcotics, primarily hashish, were found on the spot, the source added.

Specialists note that the Shouroobod stretch is the most vulnerable part of Tajik-Afghan border.  Cattle rustling, hostage taking and smuggling of drugs have become endemic in the Shouroobod area.