GARDEZ, Afghanistan, May 15 (NNN-ANA) – The Afghan security forces have thwarted attempts to smuggle handguns and seized 77 pieces of pistols, in the eastern Paktia province, said a statement by the provincial Police office, yesterday.
The alleged smugglers were attempting to illegally move the weapons out of the province, but were intercepted by the police, during a routine check in Dand-e-Patan district, on Saturday night.
However, the smugglers managed to escape, the statement admitted, saying, efforts are underway to arrest and bring to justice the culprits.
The security forces have also collected more than a dozen weapons, including five pieces of AK-47 and five pieces of pistols, in the neighbouring Khost province, over the past few days.
The Afghan caretaker government has vowed to collect arms and ammunition from anyone living outside security organs. The establishment has collected thousands of pieces of light and heavy weapons, including tanks and armoured vehicles, over the past 18 months.–
