BAGHLAN (SW): Owners of poultry farms in Baghlan have charged local police for extorting 5 to 10 chickens from each shipment that passes through the checkpoints.
Mirajuddin Seraji, owner of one of the poultry farms in this province, said that farm owners have been facing this problem for more than three years now, and the continuation of this trend have discouraged owners of the poultry farms from keeping their businesses open.
Mr. Seraji said that owners of about 110 poultry farms and many traders did not say anything about it due to fear.
Mohammad Rafie Mohammadi, an expert on economic affairs in Baghlan, believed that the continuation of extortion by police would discourage owners of these poultry farms to continue their businesses.
However, Ikramuddin Sarey, Chief of Baghlan Police, said that if the issue is proven, legal actions will be taken against the perpetrators.
About 450 poultry farms operate in Baghlan, most of which are in central Baghlan, Pul-i-Khumri, and Dehneghori districts.
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