Archive · 8 Oct 2026
Methamphetamine Production Shifts From Afghanistan Into Pakistan
The article says drug-making groups are changing where they work.
It reports that meth labs have moved from Afghanistan into parts of Pakistan.
The shift followed crackdowns on drug labs in Afghanistan, where opium growing also fell sharply after a ban.
The article says some chemicals needed to make meth may be harder to obtain in Afghanistan.
Indian agencies recently seized a large shipment of meth and heroin from a boat in the Arabian Sea.
The author says drug groups keep changing their routes to avoid being caught.
The article also describes efforts by Indian agencies to disrupt those networks.
The author wants India to share detailed evidence with international organizations.
The article says satellite imagery and reports indicate methamphetamine labs have moved into Balochistan and parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
It links the shift to Taliban crackdowns on labs in Afghanistan and the reduced availability of chemicals there.
The article cites a UNODC estimate that opium cultivation in Afghanistan fell 95 percent after the 2022 ban.
Indian authorities recently seized 526 kg of methamphetamine and heroin from an Iranian boat in the Arabian Sea, detaining five Pakistani crew members.
The author argues India should document Pakistan-based narcotics networks and share the findings with UN agencies and experts.
- Who
- Drug networks, Indian law-enforcement agencies, and authorities in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iran.
- What
- The article reports that methamphetamine production has shifted into Pakistan and describes Indian efforts to disrupt trafficking networks.
- When
- The article refers to recent events and reports, including an opium ban in 2022 and a recent maritime seizure.
- Where
- Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the Arabian Sea, including a seizure west of Lakshadweep.
- Why
- The article attributes the shift to crackdowns on drug labs in Afghanistan and changing access to chemicals and trafficking routes.
Article's account
Claims and counterpoints
Where meth production is shifting
Article's account
The author cites satellite imagery analysis and UN agency reporting as evidence that meth labs have moved into parts of Pakistan.
Claims and counterpoints
The article provides no response from Pakistani authorities or independent rebuttal to those claims.
Responsibility for regional drug trafficking
Article's account
The author argues Pakistan has become a major source of meth in Asia and alleges that criminal networks operate with protection from Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence.
Claims and counterpoints
The article notes that Afghanistan and Iran have also been associated with drug production or trafficking, and describes Taliban and Iranian enforcement actions.
International focus on drug production
Article's account
The author criticizes US attention to alleged Iranian drug factories while, in the author's view, Pakistan is a key meth source.
Claims and counterpoints
The article says Iran has seized narcotics and conducted raids, but does not include a US response or independent assessment of the stated US operation.
- Maritime seizure
- Indian agencies seized 526 kg of methamphetamine and heroin from an Iranian boat in the Arabian Sea.
- Crew detained
- Five Pakistani crew members were detained, according to the article.
- Seizure value
- The drugs were valued at more than Rs 3,000 crore.
- Afghan opium cultivation
- UNODC reported cultivation fell 95 percent from 232,000 hectares after the 2022 ban.
- Reported lab locations
- Satellite imagery analysis cited by the article points to Balochistan and parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
- Indian operation
- Operation Sagar Manthan brings together the Narcotics Control Bureau, Indian Navy, Coast Guard, Gujarat Police, and regional and international police.