Afghan officials said on Monday they had seized 500 donkey skins in northern Kunduz province.

Afghan Voice Agency(AVA), The seizure was made in Kesa Topak area of Ali Abad district, the provincial police said.

The skins of the animal were skillfully placed among wheat bags on a truck which was loaded in Balkh province, said Abdul Hamid Hamidi, the provincial police chief.

Two people were arrested in connection with the incident, he said.

The vehicle was bound for Imam Sahib district, which shares border with Tajikistan.

Smuggling of donkey skins has increased in recent months.

Each skin is sold between 5,000 and 10,000 afghanis.

China has recently stepped up purchase of donkey skins to use it in making medicines