Counter-narcotics

While supporting the Afghan government counter-narcotics programmes is an ISAF key supporting task, ISAF is not directly involved in poppy eradication, nor does it participate in the destruction of processing facilities, or in any military action against narcotic producers.

When requested by Afghan Government, ISAF’s support consists in the sharing of information, the conduct of efficient public information campaign, and the provision of in-extremis support to the Afghan National Security Forces conducting counter-narcotics operations.

ISAF also assists the training of Afghan National Security Forces in counter-narcotics related activities and provides logistic support, when requested, for the delivery of alternative livelihood programmes.

In May 2003, the Afghan government adopted a National Drug Control Strategy aimed at reducing the production of illicit drugs by 70 per cent by 2007 and at eliminating it by 2012. A Counter-Narcotics Directorate is embedded in the Interior Ministry and a fully-fledged counter-narcotics minister is presently one of the central actors of the Afghan Government.

The United Kingdom is the G-8 lead on counter-narcotics programmes in Afghanistan.