Tehran – Iran has asked Afghanistan to become more critical in its fight against drugs.
Ordering a ban on the cultivation, purchase and sale of drugs in Afghanistan is a very good measure that can lead to better results by drawing out an integrated strategy by the Afghan government, and the IRNA said it cited Deputy Minister Ali-Akbar Pour-Jamshidian.
Officials spoke at a meeting in Tehran on Monday with the Afghan delegation led by Afghanistan Deputy Interior Minister Mullah Abdul Haq Akhund Hamkar.
Emphasizing that Iran has long hosted Afghans and has pointed out close ties between the two countries, Pour-Jamshidian said Iran aims to promote cooperation and interaction between the two countries to resolve current issues.
He also spoke about water rights as both sides are willing to address the challenge and can solve this problem.
Officials proposed expanding cooperation between Iran and Afghan anti-drug police in the first phase and expanding cooperation between Pakistan anti-drug forces (ANF) in the second phase, suggesting fighting drug trafficking more effectively.
“Today, the war against drug trafficking is a scientific job. Traditional methods are no longer working. Luckily, Iran’s anti-drug police are equipped with the latest equipment and training.
The country can share its experience and expertise with Afghanistan,” he added.
Hamkar, who praises Iran’s efforts to host Afghans, said that for the past 45 years there have been no restrictions on poppy cultivation and drug trafficking, but has now changed.
Officials said the two countries could strengthen cooperation by replacing poppy cultivation.
Iran’s substantial efforts in the fight against drug trafficking
The United Nations Office for Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has always praised the Iranian government for its substantial efforts and unshakable commitment to its drug trafficking efforts.
Due to its geographical proximity to Afghanistan, the Islamic Republic of Iran was produced in Afghanistan as both a destination and transport route for illegal drug trafficking, particularly opioids and recent methamphetamine.
On December 8, 2024, UNODC Iranian country representative, Alexander Fedulov, attended a high-level meeting held at the Drug Management Headquarters (DCHQ) when the Cistan Baluchestan government’s seizure of 2,400 kilograms of methamphetamine was successful.
During the meeting, Brigadier General Ahmad Ali Gordalj, commander of Iran’s border patrol, shared details of a major drug attack in Sistan Balushestan province.
On September 10, 2024, the Iranian military managed to seize 2,400 kilograms of methamphetamine. The operation underscored the relentless commitment of Iranian border forces. Iran’s border forces are at the forefront of combating drug production and human trafficking, particularly those derived from Afghanistan.
Brigadier General Goudarzi emphasized that the attack reflects the escalating challenges posed by methamphetamine production in the region, as well as the dedication of Iranian border guards, law enforcement and customs officials in addressing the issue.
Federov, on his part, expressed his gratitude to the Iranian authorities for their valuable contributions to this global challenge.
Fedulov highlighted the importance of strengthening regional cooperation and the need for further international support to strengthen collective efforts to combat drug trafficking in West Asia.
Representatives from UNODC Country said the successful operation would be presented to the international community as evidence of Iran’s noble resolve in the fight against drug trafficking and dedication to regional security.
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