The Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock organized an awareness program in Kabul aimed at highlighting the implementation of the law on preventing the smuggling of food, medicine, and health products.
Kabul 24: Officials stressed that smuggling of edible items and pharmaceuticals poses a serious threat to public health, domestic production, and the national economy.
They warned that individuals and companies involved in illegal imports will face strict legal action.Sadr Azam Osmani, Technical Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock, stated: “Companies that conduct their imports within the legal framework will receive our full support and their problems will be resolved.
However, those who choose smuggling routes should not complain to us or the Islamic Emirate. They will face the consequences of their own actions.”Abdul Mateen Saed, Deputy Minister for Customs and Revenue at the Ministry of Finance, reported significant achievements in the fight against smuggling.
He revealed that thousands of tons of human and veterinary medicines have been seized and destroyed at customs points.
Saed assured: “We are using all our capacity to prevent smuggling. This law has now been activated, and thousands of tons of medicines have been destroyed while dozens of tons have been confiscated and referred to the courts for legal action.
We guarantee continued serious efforts to stop the smuggling of food items, medicines, and health products.”Representatives from the Afghanistan Chamber of Agriculture and Livestock called for stricter monitoring of the country’s borders to curb the inflow of smuggled goods.
They emphasized that robust border control is essential for protecting local producers and ensuring fair market competition.Private sector investors and business representatives welcomed the law, describing it as a positive step that will create a more predictable and attractive environment for investment.
Toryali Helmand, Deputy Head of the Afghanistan Poultry Farmers Union, said: “This law provides us with many facilities and creates a healthy competitive space. It will also pave the way for greater investment in the country.”The Law on Prevention of Smuggling of Food, Medicine, and Health Products was signed by the Leader of the Islamic Emirate on 29 Jawza of last year.
It consists of one preamble, four chapters, three sections, and 34 articles.The enforcement of this law is expected to reduce illegal trade, support domestic production, safeguard public health, and boost investor confidence.
Officials affirmed that by supporting lawful businesses and taking firm action against violators, the government aims to build a cleaner and more stable business environment across Afghanistan.
