QUETTA: Two suspected drug smugglers died while three others were injured in an ‘encounter’ with security personnel in the Mashkel area near the Iranian border on Monday.

According to a spokesman for the Frontier Corps, Balo­chistan, FC personnel conducted an operation on receiving information about the presence of drug dealers and smugglers in the area. There was a heavy exchange of fire.

Two suspects burnt to death when their vehicle caught fire due to the firing. FC personnel arrested three suspects who had burn injuries.

They were brought to Quetta for treatment.According to the spokesman, drugs had been loaded on a pickup truck which was also burnt.

Published in Dawn, March 1st, 2016