Afghan opium production up 34% last year
Belfast Telegraph
Wed, 06 Feb 2008 16:38 EST
Opium production in Afghanistan increased by 34% last year, according to figures published today by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime.
Afghanistan supplies around 90% of the world's opium, the main ingredient in heroin.
Production has increased massively since the US/British overthrow of the Taliban regime and the UN says it expects a further increase this year.
It also says marijuana production is rising in the country.
Much of the production is taking place in Taliban-controlled areas, where the rebels impose a 10% tax on the crops.