The origin of the golden crescent

It is estimated that 60 tons of heroin can be extracted from opium collected in secret producing areas of Afghanistan every year. Due to its unique geographical advantages, the drugs produced here can be easily transported to Europe. Therefore, the drug share in this part of Europe once reached over 90%. There are three main routes for drugs to leave the country in this region: one is from Pakistan and India in the south to Japan and the United States, the other is from the Persian Gulf to Europe, and the third is from Uzbekistan and other countries in Central Asia to Eastern Europe and Russia. Another significant advantage of drugs in this area is that the purity of heroin produced here is extremely high, almost all of which can reach more than 80%, which is unmatched by the Golden Triangle.

In the late 1970s, due to the dry weather, the opium harvest in the "Golden Triangle" region of Southeast Asia failed, and the demand for drugs such as heroin on the black market was in short supply, and the price soared. At this time, poppy growers of the "Golden Crescent" seized the good opportunity of rising drug prices, expanded their planting area and entered the traditional overseas market of the "Golden Triangle". It is an important producer of opium drugs in the world, second only to the "Golden Triangle".

198 1 year, the opium production in the "Golden Crescent" area reached more than 800 tons, twice the total opium production in the "Golden Triangle" and Mexico. However, since 1986, the opium production of the "Golden Triangle" has recovered rapidly and increased sharply, once again replacing the "Golden Crescent" as the main heroin producing area in the world. Despite this, the opium production of the "Golden Crescent" has developed rapidly, and it has always maintained the second position in opium and heroin production.

At the end of the 20th century, due to ethnic conflicts, religious conflicts and wars, the "Golden Crescent" drug economic circle rose again, making it replace the "Golden Triangle" and become the largest opium drug producer in the world.

The poppy planting area of "Golden Crescent" is about 1 1 000 hectares, and the annual opium output has been kept between 3,000 tons and 4,000 tons. According to United Nations statistics, in 2003, the opium output of "Golden Crescent" reached 3,600 tons, and it is expected to exceed 4,000 tons in 2004. Besides opium and heroin, it also produces marijuana and cocaine. Besides, it is the gateway to Europe and America, and drugs can be transported from Turkey, Pakistan and Iran to all parts of Europe and America. The "Golden Crescent" has now become a link and continental bridge connecting the drug trade between Europe and Asia.