Afghanistan
Afghan opium boom again breaks record
For a second consecutive year, Afghan opium cultivation broke all previous records, according to the latest report from the UN Office on Drugs and Crime.
Tag: opium
Afghanistan
Afghanistan: US commander questions withdrawal
US Army Gen. John Campbell questions whether the Afghan military is prepared to take on a resurgent Taliban, with militant attacks at their highest levels since 2011.
The Andes
FARC proposal to protect coca, cannabis growers
At the Havana peace talks with the Colombian government, the FARC rebels released a proposal to decriminalize and "regulate the production of coca, poppies and marijuana."
Southeast Asia
Golden Triangle opium boom
The UN in its new Southeast Asia Opium Survey finds that opium production in Burma soared in 2013—along with renewed insurgency wars in the country's north.
Iran
Persian Gulf militarized —by drug war
In addition to the naval face-off over a global oil outlet, the Persian Gulf has seen escalating militarization by international forces in the guise of narcotics enforcement.
Afghanistan
Afghan opium production hits new record high
The UN’s latest Afghanistan Opium Survey finds that the country produced record levels of poppy in 2013—despite $7 billion in US eradication efforts.
The Andes
Bolivia, Venezuela reject US drug criticism
For a fifth year running, the White House "blacklisted" Bolivia and Venezuela for perceived insufficient anti-drug efforts—and both governments reacted with anger.
Southeast Asia
Blood jade empire as Burma warlords diversify
Burma’s military and the rebel Kachin Independence Army vie in control for a semi-underground jade industry in the northern jungles, with the exports going to China.
Mexico
Violence surges in Tamaulipas: State Department
Murders in the Mexican border state of Tamaulipas jumped more than 90% and kidnapping reports more than doubled over last year to the highest rate in the country.
Southeast Asia
Burma: new Shan state opium eradication plan
The UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) announced a new peace initiative in Burma’s conflicted Shan State aimed at facilitating poppy eradication.
Afghanistan
UN: Afghanistan remains top opium producer
The UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) finds that Afghanistan continues to remain the world’s top opium cultivator, accounting for 75% of global illicit production.
The Andes
Peru: ‘opium mafia’ revealed in national police
The local anti-drug prosecutor in Peru’s Amazonas region has opened an investigation into 25 suspected of running an “opium mafia” within the security services.