...an idea whose time has gone...
Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) reports that opium production in Afghanistan is still 93% lower than in 2022, but it has increased by about 30% in 2024.
In its latest report, published on Wednesday, November 27, the UNODC notes that the level of opium production in Afghanistan has remained low for the second consecutive year.
According to the report, opium production in Afghanistan dropped by 93% after the Taliban
...mindless ferocity in a turban...imposed a ban on poppy cultivation. However,
a woman is only as old as she admits...
production in 2024 has increased by 30% compared to 2023.
The UN report shows that opium production in 2024 reached 433 tons, marking a 30% increase in production volume. Additionally, 12,800 hectares of land were used for poppy cultivation this year, representing a 19% increase in the area cultivated compared to 2023.
The value of the opium produced in 2024 is estimated at $260 million, reflecting a 130% increase from the previous year.
Ghada Fathi Waly, Executive Director of the UNODC, stated that "international efforts must be coordinated to ensure that this reduction does not lead to the production of other dangerous drugs like methamphetamine within Afghanistan or the region."
She also emphasized the need to support rural communities dependent on poppy cultivation by investing in infrastructure, agricultural resources, and sustainable livelihoods to provide legal and economic alternatives.
The increase in opium production in 2024 is concerning, especially in the context of international efforts to combat drug trafficking and addiction. The rise in opium value also suggests that the country’s drug trade remains a major challenge.
To effectively reduce opium production, there must be long-term solutions that address both the economic needs of farmers and the broader regional impact of drug production. Investment in legal alternatives and infrastructure could help transition rural communities away from illicit crop cultivation.
To effectively reduce opium production in Afghanistan, the local Taliban must stop acting as enforcers for the drug barons, requiring the farmers to plant what they’re given. And that won’t happen as long as the Taliban need money, so…
But at the moment the response of the Taliban is, “Nuh uh — we aren’t either, and you’re all big poopyheads.”
Interior Ministry Rejects UN Report on Drug Cultivation in AfghanistanBut at the moment the response of the Taliban is, “Nuh uh — we aren’t either, and you’re all big poopyheads.”
[ToloNews] The Ministry of Interior has rejected the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) report stating a 30% increase in opium cultivation in Afghanistan, calling it far from reality.
In response to the report, the ministry stated that the Islamic Emirate has made every effort to eradicate drugs.
Abdul Mateen Qani, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Interior, said in a statement that combating this phenomenon is among the ministry's top priorities and that banning the cultivation and production of narcotics in Afghanistan is a fundamental policy of the Islamic Emirate.
The statement added that according to the ministry's assessments of drug cultivation and production in Afghanistan, a significant reduction has been observed over the past year compared to previous years.
"This message is based on political confrontation with Afghanistan's interim government. When governance is based on the implementation of Sharia, the cultivation and planting of narcotics are prohibited. I hope these confrontations are resolved through dialogue," said Mohammad Zalmay Afghanyar, a political analyst.
"Last year, the cultivation, planting, and trafficking of drugs significantly decreased because some UN offices were cooperating with the Islamic Emirate," said Jannat Faheem Chakari, another political analyst.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Interior Minister for Counter Narcotics rejected the report, stating that drug cultivation in Afghanistan has been eradicated.
Abdul Haq Akhund, Deputy Interior Minister for Counter Narcotics, said: "We strongly reject this report published by the United Nations. We have repeatedly held meetings with them and proven that opium cultivation does not exist anywhere in Afghanistan."
The leader of the Islamic Emirate issued a decree on the 14th of Hamal 1401 (April 2022) prohibiting poppy cultivation and narcotics production across the country.
Related:
UNODC: 2024-11-09 UN: Opium cultivation in Afghanistan rises by 19%
UNODC: 2024-08-03 Iraq round-up: some interesting events 7/21-7/25/2024
UNODC: 2024-04-27 51 Kilograms of drugs intercepted at ''Haur al Hawizeh'' border crossing with Iran
UNODC: 2024-11-09 UN: Opium cultivation in Afghanistan rises by 19%
UNODC: 2024-08-03 Iraq round-up: some interesting events 7/21-7/25/2024
UNODC: 2024-04-27 51 Kilograms of drugs intercepted at ''Haur al Hawizeh'' border crossing with Iran
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