UN Report: Afghanistan Emerges as Global Leader in Methamphetamine Production

Afghanistan has become the world's fastest-growing producer of methamphetamine, according to a report by the United Nations drug agency. Despite the Taliban's declaration of a war on narcotics, the country remains a major opium producer and heroin source. Meth production in Afghanistan poses a growing threat to national and regional health and security, as it could disrupt the synthetic drug market and fuel addiction. Seizures of meth suspected to have originated from Afghanistan have been reported in the European Union and east Africa. The country's annual meth seizure totals have significantly increased, indicating a rise in production. The Taliban-run government claims to have taken measures to combat drug production, but the impact on meth supplies remains uncertain.