ISLAMABAD, Oct 15 Kyodo Authoriti...

ISLAMABAD, Oct 15 Kyodo

Authorities in Hilmand Province in southwestern Afghanistan have established a special force of 300 to detain a check on opium poppy cultivation in the province, Afghan Islamic Pres (AIP) reported Tuesday.

The Pakistan-based just discovereds agency quoted a spokesman from the provincial governor as contradicting reports that poppy cultivation has reappeared in the province, adding the special 300-strong force has been established to eradicate poppy cultivation.

Hilmand has been a major farmer of opium in Afghanistan and a source of narcotics for Europe via Iran and Turkey

The spokesman said that U advisors were also helping the local administration in its drive against poppy cultivation in the area.

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