RASC News Agency: French officials have voiced concerns about Afghanistan’s transformation into a significant hub for methamphetamine production, placing it alongside Turkey as a global leader in the illicit trade of this synthetic drug. The French International Security Cooperation Agency has reported that Afghanistan is now competing with traditional methamphetamine production centers in Southeast Asia and Central Europe, highlighting its growing role in the global drug trade. The French newspaper Le Journal du Dimanche disclosed that while methamphetamine consumption in Europe remains relatively low, its use as a potent stimulant is gaining traction, particularly in certain social settings, such as drug-fueled parties where it enhances energy and euphoria. Afghanistan, the report states, has emerged as a dominant producer, surpassing many established regions in scale and influence.
French authorities have also raised alarms about a potential surge in methamphetamine-related threats across Europe and France, attributing this rise to increased production in Turkey and Afghanistan. Turkish law enforcement, for example, intercepted more than 25 tons of methamphetamine in 2024 alone, underscoring the scale of the crisis. The report further highlights that Turkey is facing a devastating methamphetamine epidemic, with 46% of drug-related deaths now linked to this substance. The French International Security Cooperation Agency has noted that Afghanistan’s role in the global drug trade has undergone a significant shift. Once primarily associated with opium production, the country is now a major player in methamphetamine manufacturing, signaling a troubling evolution in its narcotics industry.
To address this growing crisis, French officials have urged for more rigorous training programs for customs officials and law enforcement at ports, airports, and other key entry points to enhance drug detection capabilities. Afghanistan has long been synonymous with narcotics production, but its emergence as a leading methamphetamine producer signals a new and dangerous chapter in the global fight against drug trafficking.
