Afghanistan reports 25,000 anti-drug operations in 2026

The Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that over 25,000 anti-drug operations have been conducted in 2026. These efforts resulted in the destruction of 26,500 hectares of poppy and cannabis crops and the arrest of 10,065 suspects.

According to Abdul Rahman Munir, deputy minister for counter-narcotics, the operations also led to the closure of 301 drug-processing laboratories, two chemical pill factories, and 15 alcohol-producing factories. Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi emphasized that the enforcement of the decree banning drug cultivation, production, trafficking, and use reflects the authorities' stance on narcotics.

Muttaqi expressed concern regarding widespread drug cultivation in neighboring countries and the subsequent trafficking of narcotics. He called for increased international cooperation and warned that the campaign would remain incomplete without regional efforts. Additionally, officials stressed the necessity of providing alternative livelihoods for farmers and strengthening technical assistance to sustain progress.