7.7 pounds of heroin seized at Kabul, Afghanistan, airport

KABUL, Afghanistan, Jan. 16 (UPI) -- Border police in Afghanistan seized 7.7 pounds of heroin allegedly carried by four people at Kabul International Airport, officials said.

The Interior Ministry said at least four people were arrested for allegedly trying to smuggle the drug to India in 409 capsules.

Poppy cultivation and heroin production is on the rise in Afghanistan with the loosening grip of troops over the Taliban after the NATO withdrawal from Afghanistan, Khaama Press reported.

The U.S. Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction said the increase in production is turning Afghanistan into a "narco-state."