More Afghan provinces poppy-free, but overall production unaffected
According to the Afghan Ministry of Counter-Narcotics (MCN), four new Afghan provinces have been declared poppy-free, bringing the total number from 16 provinces in 2007 to 20 provinces as of May 2008, the United Nations’ IRIN news agency reported Monday.
Despite the advances against poppy cultivation, the illicit industry remains strong; the south and southwest provinces that produce the most opium account for 78 percent of the country’s total output.
The U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime warned in a report earlier this year that Afghanistan’s production levels in 2008 would be similar to last year’s record harvest.
Over 60 counternarcotics officers have been killed by armed farmers or gunmen in the last two months alone, the MCN said.
For the full article, click here.
Despite the advances against poppy cultivation, the illicit industry remains strong; the south and southwest provinces that produce the most opium account for 78 percent of the country’s total output.
The U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime warned in a report earlier this year that Afghanistan’s production levels in 2008 would be similar to last year’s record harvest.
Over 60 counternarcotics officers have been killed by armed farmers or gunmen in the last two months alone, the MCN said.
For the full article, click here.
posted by Matthew @ 5/13/2008 10:30:00 AM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home