TEHRAN, Nov 3 (Reuters) - Iranian security forces killed nine armed drug smugglers in eastern Iran, state media reported on Monday

The clash occurred on Sunday around Taybad near the Afghan border and southeast of Mashhad city, the state broadcaster said, adding 182 kg of opium was seized along with weapons.

Iran's eastern border with Afghanistan and Pakistan is a busy smuggling route for drugs and other contraband. Security forces often clash with smugglers in the area. (Reporting by Hossein Jaseb, writing by Edmund Blair; editing by Catherine Bosley)

AlertNet news is provided by