The poppy cultivation is the most lucrative trade in Afghanistan, inspite of the legal ban on the crop cultivation and risks involved in business. It is one of the largest contributors of drug exports throughout the world and the recent boom in opium production is a cause of worry for many neighboring countries of Afghanistan.
Since 1980 Soviet invasion, many warlords in Afghanistan traded heroin for weapons, in search for power, money and fame. Afghanistan was already crippled because of war and its economy also considerably weakened which made many people in Afghanistan, switch over to opium cultivation, which yielded more money. It was during this period that drugs were exported into Russia in large scale and through Russia into other European countries. The trade has since then become illicit and Taliban are now utilizing it to their benefits to purchase arms and ammunitions, creating turbulence in various parts of Afghanistan. It is no doubt that there exists a large network apart from Taliban, helping to promote its business and exports.
The drug trafficking laws in the country prove inefficient with many government officials and ministers involved in this murky business .Furthermore the promise of money and power lure many Afghans into the trade. The American and British troops find themselves helpless to fight on with little support from the people.
With the boom in Opium production and illegal exports, it is better that Russia and other European and American countries, especially Britain watch out. The other neighboring states, India and Pakistan too have to be careful over these issues, since it involves both drug trafficking and terrorism, with drugs being traded for weapons.
Source: The Independent
