| Hans-Günter Meyer-Thompson | Illegal
Afghanistan. Last year's record opium production in Afghanistan threatens sustainable development, latest survey reveals
Afghanistan. Last year's record opium production in Afghanistan threatens sustainable development, latest survey reveals
In 2017, opium cultivation in Afghanistan reached a record high with an estimated 328,000 hectares, up 63 per cent compared with 201,000 hectares in 2016.
According to the latest survey report released today by UNODC, last year's record levels of production has led to unprecedented levels of potential heroin production. From the 2017 opium harvest, some 550-900 tons of heroin of export quality (purity between 50 and 70 per cent) can be produced. (UNODC, 21.05.2018)