Europe braced for cheap heroin flood

AUTHORITIES across western Europe, including Ireland, are bracing themselves for a flood of cheap heroin onto the underground market as agencies in Afghanistan report a staggering rise in opium production.

United Nations' agencies in Kabul estimate the yield from the poppy fields in the north of the country has risen by 1400% since the Taliban was toppled by US-led forces late last year. Opium production is expected to rise to 3,400 tons from just 185 tons in 2001. After refining, this translates into hundreds of tons of pure heroin destined for markets in Europe and the United States.

Customs officials in Ireland are expecting a busy year.