The agency established the route taken by the violators, after which the border guards attempted to detain them.
However, when the security forces demanded that they stop, the smugglers opened fire and tried to return to Afghanistan. As a result of the return fire, three of them were eliminated on the spot. The State National Security Committee of Tajikistan confirmed their identities: they are Jovid valadi Davlatmand, Rashid valadi Davlatmand, and Sobir valadi Zohir, all residents of Takhar province. The other two managed to escape into the darkness.
At the scene, three Kalashnikov rifles with ammunition, 150 rounds of various calibers, numerous shell casings, and four bags containing 73 packages of drugs, including hashish and opium, were found. A boat used to cross the Panj River was also discovered.
The border troops assure that "all necessary measures" are being taken to ensure the security of the border. The incident is currently under investigation, and the situation is being monitored.
