Afghanistan intensifies fight against synthetic drugs
Afghanistan’s Ministry of Interior Affairs says a nationwide campaign against narcotics, with a particular focus on synthetic drugs, is being intensified as authorities seek to curb the growing threat posed by illicit substances.
Speaking at a seminar in Kabul titled “Causes of Youth Drug Addiction and Prevention Methods,” Abdul Haq Mati, Head of Survey and Analysis at the Counter-Narcotics Deputy Office of the Ministry of Interior, said significant progress has been made in combating traditional narcotics. However, he noted that synthetic drugs remain a major challenge, with many of these substances being smuggled into the country from neighboring states.
Mati said security and law enforcement agencies are tasked with identifying, arresting and referring key figures involved in drug trafficking networks to judicial authorities. He added that efforts to prevent the trafficking and distribution of synthetic drugs are continuing across the country.
The seminar brought together students, officials from the Counter-Narcotics Department and university professors to discuss the causes of youth addiction and strategies for prevention.
Officials described synthetic drugs as one of the country’s most pressing concerns and said targeted programs have been introduced to combat the problem, building on measures previously used against traditional narcotics.
While acknowledging the progress made in anti-narcotics efforts, several university professors stressed that security measures alone would not be sufficient to address the issue. They called for greater investment in employment opportunities, education and social development initiatives aimed at tackling the root causes of addiction.
Participants also highlighted the importance of effectively managing and disrupting the entire narcotics supply chain, from street-level distribution to larger trafficking networks, as a key component in reducing the social and economic impact of drug abuse.
Students attending the seminar said awareness campaigns play an important role in prevention but argued that unemployment and limited access to education remain major factors that leave young people vulnerable to drug use.
The event, organized by a university in cooperation with the Counter-Narcotics Department, concluded with calls for stronger youth-focused programs, continued enforcement of anti-drug laws and greater efforts to address the underlying causes of addiction.
Participants agreed that a combination of prevention, public awareness, employment opportunities and law enforcement remains essential to protecting young people from drug addiction and curbing the spread of narcotics across the country.
