LASHKAR GAH, Afghanistan, April 15 (Xinhua) -- The Special Unit of Afghan national army in a major operation against illicit drug in the poppy growing southern Helmand province on Saturday, discovered more than 10 tones of illicit drugs, said a statement of army released here on Sunday.

"Personnel of the Special Unit of the army raided Marja district last night and recovered 9 tons opium poppy, 1,250 kg heroin and few more items used in manufacturing heroin and destroyed all of them on the spot," said the statement.

The statement also noted that the government would continue to target illicit drugs and heroin labs elsewhere in the country.

Afghanistan, reportedly is producing some 90 percent of opium poppy the raw material used in manufacturing heroin to the world.