An Afghan-ISAF patrol discovered two trucks containing a significant amount of narcotics in the Garm Ser district of Helmand province yesterday. The patrol found a total of 926 kilograms (2,040 lbs) of raw opium, 851 kg (1,875 lbs) of processed opium and 279 kg (615 lbs) of hashish in the vehicles. The occupants of the trucks were taken into custody. The narcotics will be destroyed.

Also in the Garm Ser district yesterday, a joint patrol found a cache consisting of a 120mm projectile, five completed victim operated improvised explosive devices, three incomplete VOIED’s, three battery packs, spools of wire, a bag of carbon rods, rubber tubing and other parts for VOIED construction.

In another operation, Afghanistan National Security Forces with ISAF partners conducted a combined operation that resulted in the detention of several men and seizure of high-value material used in the construction of improvised explosive device detonators. Yesterday near Mali Kheyl, east of Lashkar Gar, Helmand province the joint team seized two assault rifles with 15 magazines, material used to construct IED detonators, a pistol, two grenades, and 75 kg (165 lbs) of liquid opium.

Based on a tip from an Afghan civilian, an ISAF patrol found two caches containing a barrel full of mortar rounds, a tactical vest and wire, two 155mm artillery rounds, a 155mm shell and three empty casings in the Panjwa district of Kandahar province yesterday.

Yesterday evening an ISAF patrol in southern Afghanistan found 200 lbs (91 kg) of marijuana seed near Helmand River in Reg-e Khan Neshin, Helmand province. The drugs were destroyed.

No civilians were harmed in these operations.

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Afghan national security forces discover 600 pounds of opium during a cordon and search operation of a known Taliban safe house, collection center and trauma center located in Babaji Village, Helmand province, May 7. Photo by Cpl. Sean Harp

Members of the Afghan national security forces, advised by coalition forces, confiscated 600 pounds of narcotics and killed seven armed militants last night [May 7 2009] during operations in the Nahr-e Saraj District of Helmand province.

Prompted by local reports of Taliban activities in the area, ANSF conducted a cordon and search operation of a number of compounds in a known insurgent safe haven and narcotics hub. The Afghan-led force discovered 600 pounds of opium, one AK-47 with 1,000 rounds and remote-controlled bomb-making components during the search.

Afghan national security forces, advised by coalition forces, discover a trauma center located inside a known Taliban compound during a cordon and search operation in Babaji Village, Helmand province, May 7. Photo by Cpl. Sean Harp

A trauma room was also discovered within the compound fully stocked with medical supplies and ready to treat militant casualties.

As the combined forces were searching the compounds, coalition air support helicopters began receiving small-arms fire from militants on the ground. They returned fire killing five armed militants. Two more armed insurgents were killed as they prepared to set up an ambush for ANSF.

Three suspected militants were taken into custody by ANSF.

No ANSF, coalition forces or civilian injuries have been reported.

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