An Afghan man has received a 30-year prison sentence in the United States for attempting to smuggle large amounts of heroin into the country. He intended to use the proceeds to support the Taliban and the Haqqani Network.
Conviction and criminal activities
Haji Abdul Satar Abdul Manaf, aged 59, also known as Haji Abdul Sattar Barakzai, stood trial for heroin smuggling and aiding terrorism. The court convicted him after a two-week trial. Manaf had planned to distribute heroin in New York City, with the goal of funding the Taliban and Haqqani Network. He started his smuggling attempts in 2018, paying the Taliban and Haqqani Network to assist in his drug trafficking activities.
Sanctions, heroin sale and witness tampering
In 2012, the U.S. Treasury Department had sanctioned Manaf under Executive Order 13224 for supporting terrorism. Officials said he had sent funds to the Taliban to help them fight coalition forces in Afghanistan. In August 2018, Manaf sold 10 kilograms of heroin to an undercover Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agent, believing the drugs would enter the U.S. He also attempted to funnel drug profits to individuals he thought were affiliated with the Haqqani Network. While awaiting trial, Manaf directed his family in Afghanistan to threaten a DEA witness who had testified against him.
The court sentenced Manaf to 30 years in prison. He must forfeit the profits from his criminal activities. Following his sentence, he will serve five years of supervised release.
