Iran warns of 'drug tsunami' if UN cash for patrols is cut

Published Date: 25 June 2008 EUROPE could be hit by a "heroin tsunami" if Iran's war against drug trafficking from Afghanistan is undermined by reduced western support because of the stand-off over Tehran's nuclear programme. British police estimate 90 per cent of the heroin on UK streets originates in Afghanistan and the British government has often praised Iran's determined efforts to stem the flow. The UN credits Iran for seizing 80 per cent of the opium netted aro und the world last year. Over that period, Iran says it seized 900 tonnes of narcotics coming from Afghanistan, where anti-drugs efforts are a responsibility of overstretched British forces in Helmand province. Statistics suggest the British effort leaves room for improvement. The UN drugs and crime office says Afghanistan's production of opium – the raw... [read full story]