[Dawn] Afghan police said Sunday they had seized 17 tonnes of explosives hidden in paint and pickle tins at a customs office on the southern border with Pakistan.Helluva bill of lading
Were they kosher dills?
The explosives had been trucked from the Pakistani city of Quetta to Afghanistan's Spin Boldak and were brought to the official customs point for tax payment, police chief General Shafique Afzali told AFP.
Two people were arrested but Afzali said it was unclear if the pair were merely transporting the goods or were involved in militant activities.
A distinction without a difference?
"Further investigations will determine if the two arrested are involved or not," he said.
Invoice read: Deliver to Amaso Nib Nedal on Jihad street, in the back, come at midnight, and no smoking!
Nope, couldn't be involved!
The explosives are believed to have been destined to make crude roadside and suicide bombs — the weapon of choice for Taliban insurgents fighting Afghan and US-led NATO troops.
Not for painting murals and providing pickle snacks for painters?
Afghanistan shares a long porous border with Pakistan and relies heavily on imports of goods from its neighbour, including food products. Torkham and Spin Boldak are the two main entry points from Pakistan into Afghanistan.
Kabul has long accused elements in Pakistan of secretly sponsoring the Taliban in Afghanistan, providing them with training, weapons and explosives, an accuation always met with angry rebuttals.