Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Afghanistan

Afghan Heroin Seized In Russia

(RFE/RL)

August 28, 2006 -- Authorities in Yekaterinburg have seized 160 kilograms of Afghan heroin found hidden in a refrigerated truck.

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August 28, 2006

Russian news agencies say three people were arrested in connection with the seizure of the drugs, found on August 25 at a vegetable warehouse in the Urals region city, about 1,500 kilometers east of Moscow.

The truck was registered in Uzbekistan. Police indicated the suspects are from Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.

(Reuters)

Opium In Afghanistan

An antidrug billboard in Kabul shows a skeleton hanging from an opium bulb (AFP)

OPIUM FARMING ON THE RISE Despite a nationwide program by the Afghan government to eradicate opium-poppy fields and offer farmers alternative crops, international experts say that the 2006 opium crop will be as much as 40 percent larger than the previous year's. Afghanistan is the largest producer of opium in the world, and the source of as much as 90 percent of Europe's heroin.(more)

Narcotics Supply Reduced, But Afghanistan Still Suffering

Saffron Could Help Wean Farmers Off Opium Poppies

Poppy-Eradication Drive Launched In Western Province

Insurgency Gains Ground As Poppy-Eradication Efforts Struggle

UN Drug Agency Promotes 'Alternative Development' For Curbing Poppy Cultivation

For weekly news and analysis on Afghanistan by e-mail, subscribe to "RFE/RL Afghanistan Report."

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