A recent report from the United Nations drug agency has revealed that Afghanistan has become the world’s fastest-growing producer of methamphetamine. This comes as a concerning development, given that Afghanistan is already known for its major opium production and being a source of heroin. The Taliban, despite declaring a war on narcotics after regaining power, has been unable to control this surge in meth production.
The report, published by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes, states that meth production in Afghanistan is primarily carried out using legally available substances or by extracting it from the ephedra plant, which grows in the wild. This has led to a growing threat to national and regional health and security, as the increased production of meth could disrupt the synthetic drug market and fuel addiction. Seizures of meth suspected to have originated from Afghanistan have already been reported in the European Union and east Africa.
The annual seizure totals for meth within Afghanistan have seen a sharp rise, increasing from less than 100 kilograms (220 pounds) in 2019 to nearly 2,700 kilograms (6,000 pounds) in 2021. However, due to a lack of data, the report was unable to determine the value of the country’s meth supply, the quantities being produced, or the extent of domestic usage.
According to Angela Me, the chief of the UNODC’s Research and Trend Analysis Branch, meth production in Afghanistan offers certain advantages compared to heroin or cocaine production. It doesn’t require waiting for crops to grow or the need for large plots of land. Meth labs can be mobile and hidden. Additionally, Afghanistan has an abundant supply of the ephedra plant, which is not found in other major meth-producing countries like Myanmar and Mexico. Despite the Taliban’s efforts to crack down on drugs, it remains too early to assess the impact on meth supplies.
While the Taliban-run government claims to have prohibited the cultivation, production, sale, and use of all intoxicants and narcotics in Afghanistan, the reality is more complex. Authorities have reported the destruction of several factories involved in drug production and the arrest of thousands of individuals. However, it is acknowledged that these activities can still occur in secret, making it challenging to completely eradicate the problem. The government has formulated a four-year strategic plan to tackle narcotics, with the goal of eventually putting an end to meth production.
The rise in drug production, especially opium cultivation and meth production, can be attributed in part to the deteriorating economic situation in Afghanistan. The country is grappling with severe drought, economic hardship, and the aftermath of decades of war and natural disasters. As the economy contracted and international financing dried up following the collapse of the previous government, people have turned towards illegal cultivation and drug trafficking as a means of survival.
This situation has contributed to an increase in poverty, hunger, and addiction. Hospitals in Afghanistan are currently treating around 20,000 individuals for drug addiction, with crystal meth being the primary substance of concern. Even children are among those seeking treatment. The widespread drug problem further exacerbates the challenges faced by Afghans already dealing with multiple crises.
In conclusion, Afghanistan’s rise as the fastest-growing producer of methamphetamine is a troubling development. The country must take proactive measures to address this issue and prevent further harm to its population and international drug markets.
