A former Afghan general has been brought to the United States to face federal charges of conspiring to traffic large quantities of heroin and methamphetamine while also negotiating the sale of military-grade weapons.

Abdul Zahir Qadeer, also known as Haji Abdul Zahir, appeared in federal court in Manhattan after being extradited from Kenya on July 10. Prosecutors say he led an international effort to import hundreds of kilograms of narcotics into the United States and supply heavy weapons.

Background and Allegations

Qadeer once served as a general in Afghanistan’s Border Force and later became First Deputy Speaker of the country’s National Assembly. After the Taliban returned to power in 2021, the assembly stopped functioning. Federal prosecutors now allege that behind his public profile he operated as a large-scale trafficker of drugs and weapons until his arrest.

According to the complaint, the investigation began in November 2024 when Qadeer allegedly started communicating with someone he believed represented a drug trafficking organization. That person was a confidential DEA source. Prosecutors say the discussions centered on importing large amounts of heroin and methamphetamine into the United States. As an early step, they allege Qadeer arranged a two-kilogram test shipment of methamphetamine delivered to South Africa in December 2024 in exchange for about $14,000.

Weapons Negotiations and Arrest

Court documents also claim Qadeer later negotiated the sale of hundreds of heavy machine guns, assault rifles, sniper rifles, rocket-propelled grenade launchers, pistols, and grenades. The confidential source allegedly indicated the weapons would be used to protect trafficking operations. Prosecutors say Qadeer provided detailed pricing and agreed to fill the order.

The investigation ended in April 2025 when Qadeer traveled to Nairobi believing he was meeting members of the trafficking group. Instead, he met DEA sources and was arrested by Kenyan authorities. Extradition proceedings followed, and he was brought to New York more than a year later.

Charges and Potential Penalties

Qadeer faces three federal counts: conspiracy to import heroin and methamphetamine, using and carrying machine guns and destructive devices in connection with the drug conspiracy, and conspiring to do the same. The narcotics charge carries a mandatory minimum of 10 years and a maximum of life. The machine-gun charge carries a mandatory minimum of 30 years and a maximum of life.

The charges remain allegations. Qadeer is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

When Federal Investigations Reach Across Borders

Cases built on undercover operations, international cooperation, and extradition often leave defendants facing strict mandatory minimums and complex evidence packages. Understanding how the government’s case was constructed, from the first undercover contact through the arrest overseas , can make a significant difference in how the defense approaches the charges.

If you or someone close to you is dealing with federal drug trafficking allegations, weapons charges, or an extradition-related matter in New York, having counsel who knows the federal system and the practical realities of these cases is important from the start.

Here at Bukhglobal, our attorneys have handled serious federal and state criminal matters across New York City. We examine the evidence carefully, protect clients’ rights, and build strategies around the actual facts of each situation.

Schedule a free phone call with our team now by leaving your contact information on the Bukhglobal website. We’ll review the details of your case and help you see what realistic options are available.

References:

FinChannel. (n.a). Retrieved from: https://finchannel.com/former-afghan-general-extradited-to-new-york-accused-of-plotting-massive-drug-trafficking/132839/crime/2026/07/