Afghanistan’s opium prices have risen dramatically post-drug ban, increasing from $75 to $750 per kilogram since 2022. While opiate production has decreased, organized crime continues to profit significantly. The UNODC stresses the urgent need for economic alternatives to support farmers and combat the potential rise of more harmful synthetic drugs.
Opium prices in Afghanistan have surged dramatically, increasing tenfold since the introduction of a drug ban by authorities in 2022. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the price of one kilogram of opium rose from $75 three years ago to $750 in 2022. This price hike compensates sellers for production losses following the reduction of poppy cultivation.
The UNODC reported a notable decrease in heroin and opium seizures, which have dropped by approximately 50 percent in weight since 2021. The ban has contributed to reduced opiate trafficking, emphasizing that while production has diminished, the profitability of the trade remains markedly high.
Opium serves as the primary source for heroin production globally. The leading producers are Afghanistan, Colombia, and Myanmar. High opium prices have resulted in substantial profits for organized crime syndicates, as pointed out by UNODC: “massive profits are still being made, primarily benefiting high-level traders and exporters in organised crime groups.”
At the end of 2022, opiate stockpiles in Afghanistan were estimated at around 13,200 tonnes, sufficient to meet domestic demand until 2027. Ghada Waly, UNODC executive director, stated, “The surge in opium prices and the substantial stockpiles mean that drug trafficking in Afghanistan remains a highly profitable illicit trade.”
Despite the circumstances, approximately 60 percent of these stockpiles are thought to be controlled by large traders, leaving only about 30 percent held by farmers. Most of these farmers are likely suffering from financial distress, with the UNODC noting that many are in a precarious economic position. There is an urgent need for sustainable economic alternatives to prevent a resurgence in poppy cultivation as a response to the high opium prices.
The UNODC further cautioned that the ongoing shortage of opium could lead buyers and sellers to turn to more harmful alternatives, including synthetic opioids like fentanyl, potentially worsening public health crises in the region.
In summary, Afghanistan’s opium prices have substantially increased following a drug ban, significantly benefiting organized crime while harming local farmers. The existing opiate stockpiles highlight the lucrative nature of the trade, necessitating the implementation of sustainable economic solutions to support struggling farmers and deter the resurgence of poppy cultivation. Failure to address these issues may lead to a dangerous shift towards synthetic opioids, exacerbating the crisis further.
Original Source: news.un.org
