FAIZABAD (Pajhwok): At least 300 farmers in northeastern Badakhshan province have been arrested for voilatin the ban on poppy cultivation, an official said on Tuesday.
Counter-Narcotics Director Shafiqullah Hafizi told Pajhwok Afghan News a Narcotics Eradication Commission had been established in the province two months ago.
The panel had proven effective in curbing poppy cultivation, claimed Hafizi, who said the commission members had visited 10 districts.
In Kishm, Tishkan, Argo, Daryam, Tagab, and Faizabad, they met local community leaders.
He added currently, 1,500 security personnel were stationed in several districts of the province to eliminate drug cultivation.
The security forces told the public the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) was committed to banishing narcotics and would no longer allow anyone to plant poppies.
Hafizi explained local residents had pledged to cooperate with the authorities and vowed not to cultivate poppies again.
However, in recent days, 300 farmers who had previously given assurances to the government but later resumed poppy cultivation were identified and arrested.
The official said the drug eradication drive this year follows a phased approach; farmers are informed about the risks of poppy cultivation, followed by obtaining guarantees.
As part of the current strategy, those who fail to comply with the awareness efforts or guarantees are arrested and referred to courts.
In less than two months, the Narcotics Eradication Commission has raised awareness among thousands of people and farmers across more than 10 districts of Badakhshan about the dangers and negative impacts of poppy cultivation.
Meanwhile, farmers in Badakhshan have stressed the need for measures to tackle drug trafficking and implement infrastructure projects in the province.
Painda, an inhabitant of Jurm district, urged IEA to exert pressure on drug traffickers so that farmers stopped cultivating poppies.
Another resident, Mohammad Sharif, called on the government to implement infrastructure projects to create jon opportunities for the local population.
sa/mud
