Afghanistan not a drug threat despite Iran’s criticism: Official

Following claims by Iranian authorities about increased drug trafficking from Afghanistan, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Interior denies any threat posed by the drug phenomenon from Afghanistan to neighboring and global countries.

Abdul Matin Qani, spokesperson for the Ministry of Interior, has called on international organizations to provide alternative livelihoods for Afghan farmers in a post on his Twitter page.

According to the interim spokesperson, “Despite limited resources and capabilities, efforts have been made to eradicate the drug trade from Afghanistan.”

Earlier, the head of Iran’s anti-drug police expressed concerns about the increase in drug trafficking, particularly methamphetamine, originating from Afghanistan into Iran, stating, “Despite reports indicating a halt and reduction in opium cultivation and production in Afghanistan, a significant decrease in trafficking from this country is not evident.”

In the latest instance, Ahmad Reza Radan, the Chief Commander of Iran’s Law Enforcement Force, stated on Monday during an event marking World Drug Day that “today, we do not see any reduction in drug cultivation in Afghanistan.”

He attributed one of the reasons for drug cultivation and production in Afghanistan to the “presence of Americans,” adding that with the increase in drug cultivation in Afghanistan, transit and consumption of drugs in other countries have also increased.

Meanwhile, the commander of border guards in Khorasan Razavi province announced on Saturday the seizure of 198 kilograms of drugs near the Afghanistan border.

Additionally, a United Nations report indicates a decrease in poppy cultivation in Afghanistan but a simultaneous increase in the production of industrial drugs, especially methamphetamine.

Meanwhile, Iran has consistently reported the arrest of Afghan citizens on charges of drug trafficking into the country.

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