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Checkpoints

Iran arrested 7,700 drug smugglers, distributors, and addicts on drug charges and the confiscation of 6.4 tons of contraband during the two week celebration of the Persian New Year. Law enforcement officials have no explanation why this was double the amount seized during the previous holiday season.

One might think however, that since Iran forms part of a major smuggling route, and despite the electronic fence and checkpoints separating the two countries, it has something to do with the record poppy crop in neighboring Afghanistan.

Interestingly, the busts come on the heels of the Afghanistan donors conference in Berlin we told you about previously, where Iran signed a regional agreement to crack down on the illegal drug trade.