Asia

Iran at Forefront of War on Drugs: Minister

Iran’s interior minister says the country ranks first in the fight against illicit drugs and attaches great importance to the campaign against narcotics.

Ahmad Vahidi added Iran has been engaged in the fight against drugs for several decades.

He explained that drug-trafficking is a lucrative business, so those involved will not easily give up this illegal trade.

“The [drug] mafia gains tremendous economic profits from it and, hence, will not abandon it easily,” said the minister.

He lashed out at some international banks which refuse to deal with the drug money deposited there.

“This is one of the issues which we seriously criticize. Why don’t they tackle the [drug] money circulating at global banks and easily changing hands?” he asked rhetorically.

He then lambasted the United States for failing to deal with drug production and smuggling in Afghanistan.

“The Americans were in Afghanistan for 20 years and had a heavy military and security presence there. … They killed women and children, but did not prevent the cultivation of narcotics,” he added.

The minister explained that, ironically enough, drug production increased in Afghanistan during the US presence there, so much so that it grew by 30-40 times during that period.

“They (the Americans) are accused, but they are not taken to task,” he said.

IFP Editorial Staff

The IFP Editorial Staff is composed of dozens of skilled journalists, news-writers, and analysts whose works are edited and published by experienced editors specialized in Iran News. The editor of each IFP Service is responsible for the report published by the Iran Front Page (IFP) news website, and can be contacted through the ways mentioned in the "IFP Editorial Staff" section.

Recent Posts

Iran, E3 set to resume talks in January: Spokesman

Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei has stated that a fresh round of talks between Iran…

6 minutes ago

Legendary Iranian actress, voice performer Zhaleh Olov passes away

Zhaleh Olov, a celebrated actress of Iranian cinema, theater, television, and a renowned radio voice…

2 hours ago

Iran says has not in direct contact with Syria’s new rulers

Iran has dismissed any direct contact with the rebel group that has taken power in…

2 hours ago

Italy warns Russia’s threat to Europe much wider than imagined

Moscow’s threat to Europe extends beyond defense to illegal immigration and cybersecurity, Italian Prime Minister…

2 hours ago

Deputy FM raps US for holding Iranians hostage

A deputy Iranian foreign minister has criticized Washington for taking Iranian nationals hostage under the…

5 hours ago

Iran’s interior minister warns population crisis looms

Iranian Interior Minister, Eskandar Momeni, has raised alarms over the nation's declining population growth, warning…

5 hours ago