LANDI KOTAL (Khyber Agency), Oct 13: A 60-member Kukikhel jirga has decided to ban sale and purchase of drugs and other contraband goods in Jamrud tehsil of the Khyber Agency.

The jirga which met at Teddi Bazaar on Thursday decided to close down all gambling dens and liquor shops in the area.

It was decided to impose heavy penalty on those who provide shelter to criminals from other areas.

Kukikhel elder Ikramullah Jan said that if the jirga decisions were properly implemented, the Wazir Dhand drugs market adjacent to the Karkhano Market would be closed down.

The Wazir Dhand market accommodates business concerns dealing in liquor, heroin, hashish and counterfeit currency. Gambling dens are also run here. Giving details of the jirga decisions, Mr Jan said that a fine of Rs1 million would be imposed on anyone found guilty of a murder.

Besides, cash penalties would be imposed and houses and shops of drug dealers would be demolished.

He said that the decisions of the jirga would also be effective in Kukikhel areas in the remote Tirah valley.