BISHKEK, November 26 (RIA Novosti) - A Kyrgyz Interior Ministry official has been detained with nearly 10 kg (22 lbs) of heroin, the republic's drugs control agency spokesperson said on Wednesday.
She said a 51-year-old lieutenant colonel from the Interior Ministry's internal troops was detained near a military base in possession of about 8 kg of Afghan heroin. Over 1 kg of the drug was later recovered during a search of his office.
The drug haul has an estimated street value of $60,000 in Kyrgyzstan, the spokesperson said, adding that if the heroin made its way to the European market it would fetch around $500,000.
The officer, whose name has not been disclosed, faces 10 to 15 years in prison if convicted.
