Crime in Afghanistan

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Crime in Afghanistan is present in various forms, and includes the following: corruption, contract killings or assassinations, kidnapping, drug trafficking, money laundering, black marketeering, and other ordinary crimes.

Opium poppy cultivation and drug trafficking have important role in the political and economic situation of Afghanistan for last twenty-five years.[1] In the aftermath of the Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan, opium poppy cultivation increased in the nation.[2] Many mujahideen commanders taxed opium poppy cultivation, even directly participated in illicit drug trade for military financing.[2] Although the Taliban condemned cultivation of narcotic substances, requirements of money encouraged toleration and taxation of drug cultivation.[3] In 1999, Afghanistan produced a peak of over 4,581 metric tons of raw and refined opium.[2][3] This led to increasing international pressure from states having consumer population of Afghan drugs.[2] In response, the Taliban banned opium poppy cultivation in late 2000, but allowed the opium trade to continue.[2] Under the ban, opium poppy cultivation was reduced to 185 metric tons.[2] This little production of opium continued in areas under the control of the United Islamic Front for the Salvation of Afghanistan.[2]

Since the downfall of the Taliban in 2001, cultivation and trafficking of opium has increased significantly.[4] Throughout the country regional militia commanders, criminal organizations and corrupt government officials have engaged in drug trafficking as a source of revenue.[1] Some anti-government groups make profit from the drug trafficking.[5] Due to these factors, drug trafficking increases political instability in the nation,[5] and is a threat to the country's weak internal security and embryonic democratic government.[1]

Afghanistan is the world's largest producer of opium[5] and in 2001, Afghanistan was the source of 87% of the world's illicit opium.[1] 80-90% of the heroin consumed in Europe comes from opium produced in Afghanistan.[5] According to Antonio Maria Costa "drugs are now a clear and present danger" in Afghanistan.[6] According to a survey in 2007 by United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, 93% of the opiates on the world market originated in Afghanistan.[7]

Unemployment among a large portion of the population and rudimentary basic services are major factors behind crime.[8] Other forms of crime include robbery as well as kidnappings and assault.[8] Many riots have occurred in the country in response to various political and other issues.[8]

Since the downfall of the Taliban, crime rate has significantly increased in the capital city Kabul.[9] Armed robberies are regularly reported in the western districts of Kabul.[9] Between March 2002 and January 2003, 48 cases of homicide, 80 cases of theft and 12 cases of kidnappings were reported within Kabul municipal boundaries.[4][9]

See also[edit]


  1. ^ a b c d Lee V. Barton (2007). Illegal Drugs and Governmental Policies. Nova Publishers. pp. p97. ISBN 1-60021-351-0. 
  2. ^ a b c d e f g Lee V. Barton (2007). Illegal Drugs and Governmental Policies. Nova Publishers. pp. p104. ISBN 1-60021-351-0. 
  4. ^ a b Dilip K. Das, Michael Palmiotto (2006). World Police Encyclopedia. Taylor & Francis. pp. p4. ISBN 0-415-94251-9. 
  5. ^ a b c d "CIA World Factbook - Afghanistan". CIA World Factbook. 
  6. ^ Record Opium Cultivation in Afghanistan Is a Threat to Central Asia and CIS Countries
  7. ^ Afghanistan Opium Survey 2007
  8. ^ a b c "Consular Information Sheet: Afghanistan".  Bureau of Consular Affairs
  9. ^ a b c Caroline O N Moser (2004). Environment & Urbanization. IIED. pp. p33. ISBN 1-84369-528-6.