Poppy Cultivated in Over 170 Districts of Afghanistan
Opium cultivation expanded to more than 170 districts in 24 provinces, said country’s counter-narcotic Minister Salamat Azimi.
Opium cultivation expanded to more than 170 districts in 24 provinces, said country’s counter-narcotic Minister Salamat Azimi.
Salamat Azimi, the counter-narcotic minister, Ahmadjan Naeem, deputy minister of public health, and general Daoud Amin, Kabul police chief were questioned in Upper House of the parliament Wednesday.
The Upper House questioned these officials due to the increase of opium cultivation and the number of addicts, especially in capital Kabul.
“Opium cultivation leveled up this year in the country,” Salamat Azimi said. “opium has been planted in 328 hectares of land in over 170 districts in 24 provinces, and 50 percent of the country’s total poppy cultivated in the insecure Helmand province.”
She considered insecurity and increased global demand as the main factors behind opium cultivation.
The Counter Narcotics Minister said despite coordination on counter-narcotics has improved in the country, the achievements are not acceptable.
“The ministry is reviewing the plan,” she added.
The increased number of addicts and opium cultivation have become a serious concern in the country.
According to statistics, about 3,5 Million people are using drugs.
