Taliban authorities have arrested six individuals in Baghlan province on charges of consuming alcohol, according to a statement by the Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice.

Saif-ul-Islam Khyber, spokesperson for the ministry, said the arrests took place in the village of Dara-e-Ashaqan in Tala wa Barfak district. The individuals were reportedly detained at a guesthouse while allegedly drinking alcohol.

Khyber also accused the detainees of engaging in other “un-Islamic activities” alongside alcohol consumption. He stated that the suspects were transferred to judicial authorities following a preliminary investigation.

Under the Taliban’s strict interpretation of Islamic law, the Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice is empowered to monitor citizens’ behaviour across all provinces. Mohtasibs, or religious enforcers, are authorised to enforce regulations on public conduct, dress, and morality, in line with the group’s vision of Sharia.