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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 7, 2007

Afghan National Arraigned On Drug Charges

NOV 7 -- WASHINGTON – An Afghan national was arraigned today in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia on charges of distributing one kilogram or more of heroin, intending and knowing that it be imported into the United States of America, the Department of Justice announced today.

Khan Mohammed, from Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan, is charged in an indictment returned by the grand jury on Dec. 13, 2006, and unsealed at his initial court appearance today. Mohammed arrived in the United States from Afghanistan earlier today, after having been transferred from Department of Defense custody where he was held as an enemy combatant, to the custody of the Department of Justice.

According to the indictment, on or about Oct. 18, 2006 in Afghanistan , Mohammed allegedly helped obtain quantities of opium and heroin that he knew were intended for import into the United States.

The investigation of this matter was led by the Drug Enforcement Administration. This case is being prosecuted by attorneys from the Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section of the Criminal Division.

An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

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