ECONOMY — April 20, 2026
More Than Seven Tons of Illegal Food Items Seized in Helmand
Customs officials in Helmand province seized more than seven tons of illegal food items transported in four cargo trucks without legal procedures or duties and arrested eight individuals. The head of the Helmand Subsidiary Customs Directorate stated that the action enforces legal trade rules, upholds the rule of law and increases domestic revenues.
The Ehtebar Desk — originates with Bakhtar News — 2 min read

Customs officials working in the southern Afghan province of Helmand have stopped an attempt to bring more than seven tons of food items into the country illegally.
Specifically, the amount of the illegal food items that were prevented from being imported totals seven tons and four hundred and eighty kilograms. The operation occurred in the areas of Lashkargah, the provincial capital, and the Bahram Chah district.
Officials from the subsidiary customs directorate used mobile teams to intercept four cargo trucks that were carrying the goods. These trucks had not followed the required legal procedures and had not paid the necessary duties for the importation of the items.
As a result of the successful interception, the goods in question were seized by the customs authorities. In addition to the seizure, eight people who were involved in this activity were arrested. Following their arrest, the individuals were handed over to the relevant authorities so that an investigation could be carried out.
Haji Haqmal is the head of the Helmand Subsidiary Customs Directorate. In commenting on this matter, he explained the reasons for taking such actions against illegal imports. According to him, the seizure helps in enforcing the legal procedures that are required for imports. It also ensures that duties are paid appropriately. Furthermore, he pointed out that these kinds of operations support the rule of law in the area and contribute to an increase in domestic revenues for the government.
Haji Haqmal also spoke about the future plans of his directorate. He stated that the Helmand Subsidiary Customs Directorate will continue to make serious efforts in the fight against illegal trade. The purpose of these continued efforts is to make sure that the rule of law is upheld. They also aim to maintain economic order and to further increase the level of domestic revenues that are collected.
Read the original reporting at Bakhtar News →
Reliability assessment
Single source with direct on-record attribution from named public official (Haji Haqmal, head of Helmand Subsidiary Customs) providing concrete, checkable details including exact quantities, locations (Lashkargah, Bahram Chah), number of trucks (4), and arrests (8). Verifiable fact is that the official made these statements to Bakhtar News Agency. No other sources to contradict.
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Economy — Helmand, Customs Seizure, Illegal Imports, Smuggling, Haji Haqmal
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