Iran's intelligence forces disband several drug networks

Iranian intelligence forces clamped down on 9 major drug networks and seized over 10 tons of different types of narcotics throughout the country. According to a statement released by the public relations office of the Iranian intelligence ministry, 38 drug-traffickers were arrested and four others killed in ambush operations and a large number of arms seized. It added that the gangs were busted in provinces of Sistan and Balouchestan, Kerman, Yazd, Hormozgan, Isfahan, West Azarbaijan, Alborz and Tehran. Iran leads international efforts in fighting drug networks and narcotic traffickers. According to the statistical figures released by the UN, Iran ranks first among the world countries in preventing entry of drugs and decreasing demand for narcotics. Iran lies on a major drug route between Afghanistan and Europe, as well as the Persian Gulf states. Since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, the Iranian police have lost more than 3700 of their personnel in the country's combat against narcotics.