Increase in poppy cultivation in Afghanistan from 400 hectare in 2004 to 600 hectare in 2005 is a dangerous trend causing alarming situation for the neighbouring countries, said Colonel Wasif Sajjad, Regional Director of Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) Rawalpindi Region here on Thursday. More than 360 metric tons drugs are being produced in Afghanistan out of which 128 metric tons are being consumed in Pakistan, Iran and Central Asia. About 70 metric tons are being seized by authorities, while 160 metric tons are being transported to Europe and Africa, Colonel Wasif said while talking to Business Recorder.
Terming the anti-narcotics force as most effective force in the world, he said that in spite of lack of manpower, equipment and other facilities, the working of ANF is being praised world-wide. He said that out of 70 metric tons drugs seized, ANF is seizing more than 34 metric tons a year, which is about 50 per cent of the total drugs seized. He said that 70 percent of the total drugs being consumed in Europe and Middle East are being smuggled from Afghanistan via Pakistan, Iran and Central Asian states.
Talking on cause of increase in poppy cultivation, Colonel Wasif said that in the past America and rest of the world was supporting Pakistan in combating drugs, but after 9/11, priorities have changed and they have diverted their attention towards terrorism. It has resulted in rise in poppy cultivation.
He said that Taleban had writ of law all over Afghanistan and they used efforts to eradicate poppy cultivation and succeeded. But Karzai government having its writ of law on just four cities of Kabul, Kandhar, Jalalabad and Bagram is under crisis and failed to combat drug production. He said that effective world support and strong government in Afghanistan could help combating this menace.
"We are ourselves victims of drugs not producers. Our problem is border with Afghanistan", Colonel Sajjad said in concerned voice and added that Pakistan was declared a poppy free country in 2002 but still we could not get rid of this menace as world community withdrew its support on this front.
Responding to a question about poppy cultivation in Pakistan, he said that in Wana few people have started poppy cultivation on small scale. "Government is not allowing us saying no new front would be opened at this crucial juncture", he said.
Talking to drug demand reduction in Pakistan, he said that drug demand has shown upward trend in the country. "In 80s there were 300,000 to 400,000 drug addicts in the country while in 2005 it has crossed the four million toll, having half a million heroin addicts in it, which is very alarming", he added.
He said that out of 0.5 million heroin addicts there are more than 60,000 getting drugs through injections, which, he added is main source of spread of AIDS in the country as more than 5 to 6 addicts are using one syringe to inject drugs. Smoking of Charas is also increasing in day in and day out and in every two smokers one is Charas smoker.
He said that ANF has total strength of 1,600 personnel to cover more than 2,000 miles long border with Afghanistan and check whole Pakistan. Prime Minister has approved more 1,600 personnel but it will take time.
Colonel Wasif sought the role of media and religious scholars in combating drugs addiction saying that media and mosque are best sources to give awareness to people about the hazards and dangers of drug addiction.
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