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| A US Soldier walks through an Afghan Poppy Field (File Photo) |
by Mirabed Joyenda
Andrey Avetisyan, regional representative of the United Nations on Drug and Crime (UNODC) said on Sunday at a joint press conference that based on a new survey of UNODC, in 2016, the total land area that has been cultivated with poppies has increased by 10 percent compared to last year.
He said that in 2016, drug production in Afghanistan will increase by 43 percent.
Avetisyan said maintaining security, reduction of corruption and economic growth in the country is related to the eradication of poppy fields.
"Drugs have direct links with corruption, terrorism and development. Without tackling drug problem and elicit economy, in general, it will not be possible to solve other problems facing Afghanistan," Avetisyan said.
Avetisyan also expressed his concerns over the reduction of funding for fighting narcotics and insisted that the international community should continue its aid for tackling drugs and regional countries should help Afghanistan in this regard.
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