In Afghanistan, despite the ban, opium cultivation has increased significantly since the radical Islamic Taliban returned to power. That’s according to a report released today by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
While cultivation was officially banned by the Taliban in April, UN figures paint a different picture. As a result, production so far this year has increased by 32% to 233,000 hectares. Furthermore, prices have risen since the ban, which makes the business particularly profitable.
Afghan opiates dominate the international drug market, according to an earlier UN report last year. Profitable cultivation contributes to the survival of many farmers in the extremely poor country. Afghan farmers are trapped in the opium economy. According to the report, cultivation is mainly concentrated in the southwest of the country.
serious economic crisis
Since the chaotic withdrawal of NATO troops and the subsequent seizure of power by the Taliban in August 2021, Afghanistan has been in a severe economic crisis. Severe sanctions were also imposed on the country.
Even in the past, the Taliban were seen as profiteers from the drug trade. Growing poppies was already illegal before they came to power – intoxicating substances are prohibited in Islam. Even so, it was widespread. The Taliban is said to have financed his earlier fight against the government and the international military.