U.S. law enforcement officials say they have arrested an alleged Afghan drug lord accused of helping the former Taleban regime.
Prosecutors have charged Haji Bashir Noorzai with conspiring to import more than $50 million worth of heroin into the United States and other countries.
At a news conference Monday, U.S. Attorney David Kelley said Mr. Noorzai had a "symbiotic relationship" with the Taleban, giving it weapons and manpower in return for protection.
Mr. Kelley did not provide details of Mr. Noorzai's arrest. He said the defendant will be arraigned in a U.S. district court later today.
Last year, the White House added Mr. Noorzai to a list of international drug traffickers to be denied access to the U.S. financial system.