Heroin flow: Afghans targeting Tanzania, East Africa...

KABUL  (Agencies) August 30, 2011: East African countries, particularly Tanzania, have been receiving more Afghan heroin flows, as the continent of Africa at large emerges as a conducive drugs trafficking route to Europe, North America and other parts of the world.


The revelation has been made in a report released recently by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, which says that drug traffickers, faced with tough restrictions to transit through Asia and Middle East, have turned Africa into their preferred station for heroin shipment to Europe and elsewhere. 


The report titled “The global Afghan Opium Trade: A threat Assessment” points out that  Afghan heroin flows across Tanzania and East Africa are now blamed for generating increased drug abuse in the region and some parts of the continent.


It notes that during the first quarter of 2011, there were two major heroin seizures (each above 100 kg) reported by Kenya and Tanzania, adding: “The most fragile African states are particularly vulnerable, as drug trafficking organisations are able to exploit the low capacity at seaports and airports.


 Indeed, East Africa’s minimal law enforcement at ports of entry has encouraged drug traffickers to transit heroin from Pakistan or Gulf countries through East Africa.”
For Source CLICK HERE