KABUL — Abdul Mateen Qani, spokesperson for the Ministry of Interior Affairs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, has strongly rejected recent claims by Turkish police asserting that Afghanistan remains a major source of heroin.
Abdul Mateen Qani emphasized that following a decree from the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, the ministry has launched serious and comprehensive efforts to combat narcotics throughout the country. He insisted that those who continue to describe Afghanistan as a primary global source of drugs are unaware of the current realities on the ground.
According to Qani, “Not long ago, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) also acknowledged a 95% reduction in drug production in Afghanistan. The country is now free of narcotics, and claims suggesting otherwise are outdated or misinformed.
Turkish Report Sparks Controversy
Turkish media recently cited Turkish police reports claiming Afghanistan remains a primary source of heroin, noting that heroin seizures increased by 31% in 2024, reaching 4.3 tons. The report highlighted that despite restrictions imposed by the Taliban on poppy cultivation, Afghanistan allegedly continues to supply the global market, particularly through the Balkan route via Iran and Turkey to Europe.
Taliban Insists on Narcotics Reduction Efforts
Abdul Mateen Qani reiterated that the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has strictly enforced poppy cultivation bans and strengthened anti-narcotics operations nationwide. He emphasized that international observers, including the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), have confirmed a significant reduction in drug production, reflecting the commitment of Afghan authorities to eliminate narcotics.
Abdul Mateen Qani warned that continuing to portray Afghanistan as the world’s main heroin source ignores the current situation and undermines the efforts made by the country’s authorities.
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