No Evidence of Reduction in Drug Production in Afghanistan, Says Iranian Official

Mohammad Reza Kazemi, Iran’s Deputy Head of the Drug Control Headquarters, said that there is still no documented evidence of a reduction in drug production in Afghanistan.

Kazemi pointed out that the activities of smugglers in the region indicate that there hasn't been any significant decrease in drug production.

In April 2022, the Taliban banned poppy cultivation as well as its production, consumption, purchase, and sale.

In a decree attributed to Hibatullah Akhundzada, the leader of the group, it was announced that anyone engaging in poppy cultivation would have their land destroyed and face consequences.

However, regional countries continue to report seizure of drugs originating from Afghanistan.

In February, Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban spokesperson, confirmed that while there had been some progress in the fight against drugs in Afghanistan, drug trafficking still persists.

IRNA reported on Friday that Kazemi stated that even though reports from international organisations regarding a reduction in drug production in Afghanistan have been presented, Iran, being at the forefront of the fight against drugs, has no evidence of a decrease in drug production in Afghanistan.

He emphasised that reducing opium production in Afghanistan requires global community support.

The Iranian official highlighted that the livelihoods of people in Afghanistan, particularly in densely populated areas, rely on drug production.

According to him, replacing poppy cultivation in Afghanistan is beyond the capabilities of the Taliban.