The smuggling of different goods from Iran into Afghanistan via the Melak crossing continues unabated, despite the presence of security forces in the area, Pajhwok Afghan News has reliably learnt.
Melak is situated close to the border with Iran in western Farah province. The Shaikh Abu Nasar dry port is the official trade hub between Iran and Afghanistan in Farah.
Well-placed sources revealed to Pajhwok Afghan News that some goods entered Afghanistan from Iran without any custom duty through the Melak crossing.
Sher Khan, a truck driver who bought trade goods from Melak to Farah City, said around 20 truckloads of steel, glass, cement, marble, ceramics and food items were smuggled into Afghanistan from the neighboring country.
He charged empty trucks entered Iran and after being loaded there with goods returned to Afghanistan illegally under the full watch of security forces. No security checkpoints exist on the highway.
Drivers unlawfully transferred goods from Melak via indirect routes to Farah City and had not yet faced any hurdle from authorities, sources disclosed.
Najibullah, another driver, endorsed Sher Khan’s view. Trade items entered Melak without any hindrance, he said, adding: “Owners of goods deal with security forces and drivers get their fares for transferring the items to Farah City.”
