[wonders]

Heroin trafficking through Iran (The Balkans route) has been interdicted, because Iran isn't on friendly terms with the Taleban. The majority of Heroin out of Afghanistan passes through the former Soviet Union on it's way to Europe now, and it comes from Northern Alliance poppy fields.

Yes, this is true, UP TO A POINT. Some interdiction has occured in Iran, and yes, Iran is no friend of the Taliban. BUT, the "majority" does not now travel through CIS, but rather still makes it across Iran into Turkey, then on through Kosovo and on to Europe. Lesson: Don't ride any Iranian busses!

Best regards, wonders

[Hoplite]

Some interdiction? The Taleban, until 9/11 had actually prohibited Opium cultivation in areas under its control (while maintaining large 'contingency' stockpiles, true) and Iran has made quite an effort to counter smugglers.

DOJ Report (although inconclusive as to our issue).

And...

Ten years later many Western criminal intelligence agencies still regard the Balkan route as the most active trafficking conduit. Despite this sustained widespread belief, several factors strongly suggest that illicit opiates from Afghanistan (and Pakistan) are increasingly being routed through what is referred to as the 'northern' route.(source)

Feh, still inconclusive, however. Had enough for tonight. = )

[Voronin]

BUT, the "majority" does not now travel through CIS, but rather still makes it across Iran into Turkey, then on through Kosovo and on to Europe. Lesson: Don't ride any Iranian busses!

I second that - I checked with a buddy who works for EUROPOL. As for the Iranians, they have made a big effort but they are not doing very well. I vaguely remeber that the US was helping them with equipment (NVGs etc) to help govern their borders more efficiently.

VRN