DUSHANBE, September 25, 2008, Asia-Plus — 21 nationals of Tajikistan and Afghanistan have been detained by Tajik law enforcement authorities in Tajikistan so far on suspicion of having been confederates of Suhrob Langariyev, alleged leader of one of the country’s most powerful drug gangs, according to the Ministry of Interior (MoI).
The source at a MoI said that investigation in the case materials is nearing completion and suspects will stand trial soon.
As it had been reported earlier, Suhrob Langariyev and a number of his confederates were detained in the drug-bust operation that was carried out in the city of Kulob on May 27, 2008. After an extended gun battle, eight persons were taken into custody, including the gang’s alleged ringleader Suhrob Langariyev. A 29-year-old Suhrob Langaryiev reportedly had had an international warrant out for his arrest since 2002. Yet, according to local sources, Langariyev moved freely about Kulob and other areas of Tajikistan.
Langariyev and his supporters offered armed resistance to law-enforcement agents. In the ensuing, prolonged exchanges of gunfire, four people were reportedly killed – two security officers and two bystanders. Several people were wounded and hospitalized.
According to the government, Suhrob Langariyev’s gang was a major drug trafficker in Tajikistan.
