UN says conflict in Ukraine could boost illegal drug production
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Russia is stepping up its attacks on Ukraine as world leaders meet in Europe to discuss new sanctions against Moscow as the conflict enters its 124th day.
Passers-by gather around the wreckage of vehicles and a crater after Russian missiles hit Kharkiv. (AFP)
Monday, June 27, 2022
UN: Conflict in Ukraine could stimulate illegal drug production
The conflict in Ukraine could allow illegal drug production to flourish, while the future of the opium market hinges on the fate of crisis-ridden Afghanistan, the United Nations has warned.
Previous experience from the Middle East and Southeast Asia suggests that conflict zones can act as a “magnet” for the manufacture of synthetic drugs, which can be made anywhere, the report said on Monday. United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in its annual report.
“This effect may be greater when the conflict zone is close to large consumer markets.”
Ukraine’s ability to produce synthetic drugs could increase as the conflict continues, he added. “You don’t have police going around and stopping labs” in conflict zones, UNODC expert Angela Me told AFP news agency.
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Source: TRTWorld and agencies
