The production of opium in Helmand has tripled since British troops arrived in the Afghan province in 2006, according a devastating report published today by the United Nations.
According to the report more than 75,000 hectares of Helmand were given over to opium cultivation last year, up from just 25,500 hectares in 2005.
The embarrassing figures show that opium cultivation is at a higher level than during Taliban rule, and production is expected to increase for the third year in a row.
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