Former Afghan general charged with drug and firearm offenses in U.S.

Abdul Zahir Qadeer, a former general in Afghanistan's Border Force and a one-time deputy speaker of the National Assembly, faces federal charges in the United States for allegedly conspiring to import narcotics and possess illegal firearms. Court documents unsealed Friday reveal charges including conspiracy to import heroin and methamphetamine, and conspiracy to possess machine guns and destructive devices.

According to an affidavit from a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) special agent, Qadeer began negotiating with a DEA confidential source in November 2024. He allegedly sold a two-kilogram sample of methamphetamine in South Africa a month later for $14,000. The negotiations continued into 2025, with Qadeer reportedly agreeing to sell "hundreds of kilograms" of heroin and methamphetamine, along with "hundreds" of assault rifles, heavy machine guns, pistols, rocket-propelled grenades, and thousands of rounds of ammunition.

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While purporting to be a political leader of Afghanistan, Abdul Zahir Qadeer was allegedly leading a criminal enterprise dealing in dangerous and addictive narcotics and heavy weapons.

In February 2025, Qadeer was informed that the planned purchase was for 500 to 600 kilograms of drugs to be sold in the U.S., accompanied by weapons. He allegedly assured the informant he could deliver the requested weapons within three days of a designated location. Qadeer's alleged criminal activities culminated in April 2025 when he attended a meeting in Nairobi, Kenya, believing it was with a drug trafficking organization, but it was actually with DEA confidential sources.

Following the meeting, Qadeer was arrested by Kenyan authorities and subsequently extradited to the United States. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche stated, "While purporting to be a political leader of Afghanistan, Abdul Zahir Qadeer was allegedly leading a criminal enterprise dealing in dangerous and addictive narcotics and heavy weapons." The DEA-led investigation concluded Qadeer's activities, and he will now face justice in New York.

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The Drug Enforcement Administration led an investigation that ended Qadeer's audacious criminal activity, and now he will face justice in the United States.