DUSHANBE, May 30, 2009, Asia-Plus  -- A group of armed Afghanis have crossed into the border village in Shuroobod district and have stolen a flock of sheep, according to the Ministry of Interior (MoI).

A source at a MoI said that three armed Afghans illegally crossed into Khatlon’s Shuroobod district on the night of May 28-29 and took 41 head of ship from three residents of the border village of Yol.

Criminal proceedings have been instituted and an investigation is under way.

It is to be noted that the Shuroobod area, which is victimized by Afghan drug trade, is the most vulnerable part of the Tajik border.  Afghan drug dealers are taking desperate measures to recover debts.  Afghan raiders steal cattle and seize goods from the local residents and even take them from their villages and hold hostage until their families pay ransom to clear debts.