Increase in Poppy Cultivation and Drug Trafficking Under Taliban Rule – Is Drug Money Funding Terrorism?

Since the Taliban took power, Afghanistan has seen a significant rise in drug production and smuggling, posing serious security threats not only to Afghanistan but to the entire region.

Afghanistan has become both a safe haven for terrorists and a global hub for illicit drug trade. Despite announcing a crackdown on drugs after assuming power in August 2021, the Taliban’s actions have told a different story.

Afghanistan’s Role in the Global Drug Trade

Afghanistan remains the world’s largest producer of opium, heroin, and crystal meth. According to United Nations reports, 85% of the world’s opium is cultivated in Afghanistan, making its way to global markets via Central and South Asia.

A major concern is that drug trafficking under the Taliban’s watch is reportedly being used to fund terrorist groups, particularly Fitna al-Khawarij and other extremist factions.

Drug Revenues Financing Terrorism

Multiple sources indicate that revenue from the drug trade is directly fueling terrorist activities. In 2024 alone, Afghanistan saw 12,800 hectares of land dedicated to opium cultivation, marking a 19% increase from 2023.

Since the Taliban’s takeover, opium production has surged by 32%. This contradicts their earlier claims of cracking down on the drug trade.

The Growing Methamphetamine Crisis

According to the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB), illegal drugs such as methamphetamine are being manufactured in Afghanistan using ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, chemicals commonly found in certain medications.

The plant Ephedra, which grows in Afghanistan’s mountainous regions, has become the primary raw material for meth production. Key drug-producing regions include:

• Ghor, Northern Helmand, and Farah – Major meth production zones.
• Bala Buluk District – The largest hub for ephedrine smuggling.

Expanding Drug Labs Across Afghanistan

Illegal methamphetamine laboratories have proliferated in Afghanistan. Reports indicate that in Nimroz and Farah provinces, there are:

• 448 illegal drug laboratories.
• An annual production capacity of 1,000 tons of crystal meth.

Regional Impact of Afghan Drug Trade

Neighboring countries are also feeling the effects of Afghanistan’s drug surge. In Tajikistan’s Khatlon region, authorities have intercepted three tons of narcotics originating from Afghanistan. The country’s Drug Control Agency reported the arrest of five Afghan nationals involved in trafficking.

Taliban’s Drug Revenues – A Security Threat

A 2020 NATO report revealed that the Taliban earned over $400 million from the drug trade, with a large portion funneled into funding terrorism and criminal networks.

This has made Afghanistan not only a center for global drug production but also a key financial hub for terrorism.

Implications for Pakistan and Regional Security

The rise in Afghan drug production and smuggling is a growing threat to Pakistan and other neighboring countries. The increasing inflow of narcotics threatens Pakistani youth and poses long-term security risks.

What Needs to Be Done?

• The Taliban government must take decisive action to curb drug production and trafficking.
• Neighboring countries and the international community must push for stricter measures against drug smuggling.
• Intelligence-sharing and cross-border cooperation should be strengthened to disrupt drug-terror financing networks.

Without immediate and coordinated efforts, Afghanistan will continue to serve as a breeding ground for both drug trade and terrorism, further destabilizing the region.

For more updates on regional security, visit our Ground Zero homepage.