Afghan opium production reaches record high

Afghan opium Production increased 49% in 2013, reaching a record high. According to the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), potential production was even higher, limited only by unfavourable weather conditions, while eradication efforts diminished. The drug trade helps sustain the military conflict and, with presidential elections in 2014 as well as the planned draw ‐ down of foreign troops, it could contribute to an escalation in coming years.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Afghanistan opium crop threatens Europe http://www.europeansources.info/record/afghanistan-opium-crop-threatens-europe/

ESO: Background information: US and allies split on Afghan poppy spraying http://www.europeansources.info/record/us-and-allies-split-on-afghan-poppy-spraying/

ESO: Background information: EU drugs agency releases new analysis of Europe’s changing opioid problem http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-eu-drugs-agency-releases-new-analysis-of-europes-changing-opioid-problem/

ESO: Background information: Opioids still at heart of Europe's drug phenomenon http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-opioids-still-at-heart-of-europes-drug-phenomenon/

ESO: Background information: Crackdown on drug cultivation: the European Commission supports new measures announced by Afghan Interim Administration http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-crackdown-on-drug-cultivation-the-european-commission-supports-new-measures-announced-by-afghan-interim-administration/

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