Karzai denounces illegal profiteering, calls on other nations to stop drug trafficking

Karzai condemns corruption, drug smuggling

KABUL, Afghanistan — Afghan President Hamid Karzai has spoken out against corruption and illegal profiteering and has urged neighboring nations to better secure their borders to stop drug smuggling.

Karzai said in a speech Saturday to several hundred Afghan leaders that he has urged anti-corruption officials to monitor the incomes of all government officials and their families — including his half brother — to make sure they are earning their money legally. Karzai’s half brother is a wealthy and influential leader in Kandahar province, a hotbed of insurgent and criminal activities.

Karzai also said other nations must work harder to shut down drug transportation routes out of Afghanistan.