British forces have launched an offensive against major opium based drug labs in Helmand province of Afghanistan. Primarily under British control, Helmand province alone produces some 60 to 70 percent of Afghan opium. According to US official estimates Taleban insurgents earn more than $100 million a year from drugs trafficking.  The region is infested with international narcotic mafias who have a nexus with Taleban.

Poppy cultivation in Afghanistan has soared since US led invasion. The drug trafficking is main funding source for the insurgents. But it is also a means of livelihood for farmers in the region. Taleban has forced farmers to produce poppy instead of wheat that was offered as ‘alternative livelihood’ scheme by British Government. Farmers thus have turned against British forces. British forces insist that this is a criminal and not a military operation to flush out drug mafias.

All member countries within Nato too were in disagreement about this offensive against drug mafias. There are obvious fears that this attack will lead to much instability in the region. But this move can curb militancy in the region as well.

Via Timesonline