Menu
02/03/2005
British top in heroin seizures, says UN report
Britain had the largest rate of heroin seizures in Europe last year, a report by UN drugs watchdog, the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) found.
The report also found that the UK had the third highest number of heroin addicts in Europe in 2004.
Increased production of opium in Afghanistan was cited as a contributing factor to the alarming new figures, because this was where most of the supply coming to the UK was from. The INCB also reported that cocaine use in the UK had risen.
The INCB warned that Afghanistan was in danger of becoming a "narcotic state", following the discovery that the country had produced an estimated 4,200 tons of heroin during 2004. The drugs watchdog warned that illicit opium production had increased since the Taliban regime was overthrown by the US-led invasion in 2001 and that three-quarters of the world's heroin supply came from Afghanistan. It also warned that the country had become a major source of cannabis resin as well as a destination for illicitly trafficked psychotropic substances and precursors.
Professor Hamid Ghodse, President of the INCB, warned that Afghanistan's widespread drug problems posed "a severe threat" to the new democracy in the country – the first democratic elections were held there last October – as well as the stability and economic recovery of the country as a whole.
The INCB has called for international help in order to help tackle the problem. Last month, Foreign Secretary Jack Straw announced plans to double Britain's funding to help fight the drugs trade in Afghanistan.
He announced plans to contribute £52 million following talks with new Afghan President Hamid Karzai.
(KMcA/SP)
The report also found that the UK had the third highest number of heroin addicts in Europe in 2004.
Increased production of opium in Afghanistan was cited as a contributing factor to the alarming new figures, because this was where most of the supply coming to the UK was from. The INCB also reported that cocaine use in the UK had risen.
The INCB warned that Afghanistan was in danger of becoming a "narcotic state", following the discovery that the country had produced an estimated 4,200 tons of heroin during 2004. The drugs watchdog warned that illicit opium production had increased since the Taliban regime was overthrown by the US-led invasion in 2001 and that three-quarters of the world's heroin supply came from Afghanistan. It also warned that the country had become a major source of cannabis resin as well as a destination for illicitly trafficked psychotropic substances and precursors.
Professor Hamid Ghodse, President of the INCB, warned that Afghanistan's widespread drug problems posed "a severe threat" to the new democracy in the country – the first democratic elections were held there last October – as well as the stability and economic recovery of the country as a whole.
The INCB has called for international help in order to help tackle the problem. Last month, Foreign Secretary Jack Straw announced plans to double Britain's funding to help fight the drugs trade in Afghanistan.
He announced plans to contribute £52 million following talks with new Afghan President Hamid Karzai.
(KMcA/SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
16 May 2003
Blunket sets out plans to treat addicts
Guidance to advise specialist doctors when and how to prescribe heroin to the most entrenched drug users, will be published shortly, Home Secretary David Blunkett said today.
Blunket sets out plans to treat addicts
Guidance to advise specialist doctors when and how to prescribe heroin to the most entrenched drug users, will be published shortly, Home Secretary David Blunkett said today.
07 September 2006
Commander calls for more Nato troops for Afghanistan
Nato's top commander has urged member nations to provide more troops in Afghanistan to support the current battle against Taliban militants. General James Jones said that the military alliance had been surprised by the "level of intensity" of attacks in southern Afghanistan since Nato troops moved into the region in July.
Commander calls for more Nato troops for Afghanistan
Nato's top commander has urged member nations to provide more troops in Afghanistan to support the current battle against Taliban militants. General James Jones said that the military alliance had been surprised by the "level of intensity" of attacks in southern Afghanistan since Nato troops moved into the region in July.
10 August 2015
Eleven Arrested In Weston-Super-Mare Drug Raids
Eleven people have been arrested in a series of raids carried out across Weston-super-Mare. Around 50 officers were involved in the operation, including neighbourhood officers, specialist search teams, drug dogs and their handlers, Special Constables, and Crime Scene Investigators.
Eleven Arrested In Weston-Super-Mare Drug Raids
Eleven people have been arrested in a series of raids carried out across Weston-super-Mare. Around 50 officers were involved in the operation, including neighbourhood officers, specialist search teams, drug dogs and their handlers, Special Constables, and Crime Scene Investigators.
17 June 2009
£10m Heroin Seized In Drugs Bust
A man has been jailed for 10 years after police seized almost £10 million of heroin at a house in London, as police appeal for information on another man wanted in connection with the haul. Calvin Markall, 20, of Menai Way, Rumney, Cardiff pleaded guilty on 28 April to supplying significant amounts of heroin throughout London prior to the seizure.
£10m Heroin Seized In Drugs Bust
A man has been jailed for 10 years after police seized almost £10 million of heroin at a house in London, as police appeal for information on another man wanted in connection with the haul. Calvin Markall, 20, of Menai Way, Rumney, Cardiff pleaded guilty on 28 April to supplying significant amounts of heroin throughout London prior to the seizure.
06 May 2015
Two Men Charged Over Methyr Tydfil Heroin Seizure
Two men have been charged with possession with intent to supply following the discovery of heroin in Merthyr Tydfil. South Wales Police seized heroin worth an estimated £40,000, while executing a search warrant at an address in Thomas Dyke, Penydarren.
Two Men Charged Over Methyr Tydfil Heroin Seizure
Two men have been charged with possession with intent to supply following the discovery of heroin in Merthyr Tydfil. South Wales Police seized heroin worth an estimated £40,000, while executing a search warrant at an address in Thomas Dyke, Penydarren.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Perhaps a touch of ground frost. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
