Indications of increase in narcotics trade in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan

Kabul: – The re-establishment of the Taliban regime in Afghanistan has signalled a sharp rise in the narcotics trade. Analysts have noted that the Taliban seized key cities and provinces for drug trafficking last month after launching an offensive against the Afghan government. Afghanistan’s opium poppy cultivation has grown by 37 per cent in the past few years, most of it in Taliban-held areas, the United Nations has reported.

Various international reports have suggested that opium poppy cultivation and drug trafficking are primary funding sources for the Taliban. Former US President Donald Trump had criticised the Taliban by attacking poppy fields and factories in Afghanistan. However, the Taliban have since regained control of the narcotics trade, which is believed to have the backing of Pakistani authorities.

The Taliban captured the town of Zaranj on the Afghan-Iran border during an offensive against the Afghan government. The city is considered a major hub for drug trafficking in Afghanistan. In addition, Spin Boldak on the Pakistan border, Islam Qala on the Iranian border, and Kunduz on the border with Tajikistan are also said to be important in drug trafficking. Analyst Jonathan Goodhand points out that the Taliban had taken control of all these cities before taking control of the capital, Kabul.

Goodhand said not only the Taliban but also local armed groups fighting the Taliban in Afghanistan depend on drug trafficking and the proceeds from it. British analysts say poppy cultivation has become an essential source of livelihood for Afghans in times of drought and instability. Analysts claim that the Taliban have taken advantage of the situation by promoting it and that drug trafficking could be a problem for Afghanistan and its neighbours during their rule.