Iran Expresses Concern Over Surge In Methamphetamine Production In Afghanistan

Hussein Zolfaghari, the Iranian President's representative and Secretary-General of the Anti-Drug Headquarters, has voiced concern over the increasing flow of precursor chemicals for drug production from the West into Afghanistan.

He also highlighted the rising production of methamphetamine in the country, revealing that around 40 tonnes of various types of this drug were seized in Iran last year.

Zolfaghari made these remarks during a meeting on Monday, 22 April, with Tamaki Tsukada, Japan’s ambassador to Iran, where they discussed strategies to combat drug trafficking.

During the meeting, Zolfaghari stressed that the fight against drugs transcends borders, but he noted that many countries have yet to show sufficient commitment to the cause. "All countries must work together to address this issue," he stated.

He expressed concern over the entry of precursor chemicals from the West into Afghanistan and the rising production of methamphetamine there, describing the situation as "extremely complex." Zolfaghari added, "The more we can sever the connections between the producers of psychoactive substances and the countries involved in producing methamphetamine and other drugs, the more successful we will be."

The Iranian official also raised concerns about Western countries’ approach to dealing with drug traffickers in Iran, noting that strong measures against drug smugglers are often seen as human rights violations.

Zolfaghari emphasised that other nations should recognise Iran’s ongoing efforts in tackling the global drug trade.

Previously, Iranian officials had warned that the production of synthetic drugs, such as methamphetamine and "crystal meth," in Afghanistan has been steadily increasing.

French officials have also raised alarms, warning that Afghanistan is becoming a major centre for methamphetamine production, rivaling Southeast Asia and Central Europe. They also expressed concerns over the growing smuggling of methamphetamine produced in both Afghanistan and Türkiye.