Nine Arrested for Theft and Arms Trafficking Across Five Afghan Provinces

The Taliban-controlled Ministry of Interior has announced the arrest of nine individuals suspected of theft, arms trafficking, and illegal possession of weapons across five provinces.

According to the released information, in the most notable case, two individuals were arrested by local police in Marjah district of Helmand province on charges of stealing 1.6 million Pakistani rupees. In another operation in Khogyani district of Nangarhar province, two individuals were detained for attempting to smuggle one Kalashnikov rifle along with 1,283 rounds of ammunition.

The Taliban administration also reported that two thieves were arrested in Nimroz province, and another person was apprehended in Bamyan province in connection with theft. Additionally, in Herat province, one individual was detained for illegal possession of six firearms and military-grade ammunition, and another person was arrested on charges of theft.

These reports come amid continuing criticism from independent bodies and citizens over increasing insecurity and the absence of an effective judicial system under Taliban rule. The lack of accountability and the dismantling of legal institutions have raised serious concerns about the handling of crime and justice in the country.