Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion the Yorkshire Regiment helped the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) to seize 100kgs of opium with a street value of more than $1million US dollars in a raid in Lashkar Ghar, Southern Afghanistan on Monday.

It was the first joint patrol planned and executed by the Afghan National Army and the Government of Afghanistan's Law Enforcement Agency.

An Army spokesman said: "The joint patrol was designed to provide a high profile reassurance patrol targeted at deterring counter-narcotics and enemy force activities believed to be in the area.

"Acting on local intelligence, the troops and officers conducted the raid on premises in the district centre of Lashkar Ghar, where they discovered 100kgs of raw opium.

"The raid was hailed as a success, not only due to the narcotics found, but also because it allowed the Afghan National Security Forces to interact with locals and gain their trust.

"The 2nd Battalion the Yorkshire Regiment were involved in the operation in their capacity as Operational Mentor Liaison Team (OMLT)."

The Officer Commanding of the Ops Company, Major Gary Wolfenden, said: "The joint planning and conduct of this patrol proves the willingness of Afghan National Security Forces to work in conjunction with each other.

"It demonstrates their capacity and drive to bring law and order to Helmand Province."