WASHINGTON, March 1: Poppy production in Afghanistan is at record levels and one-third of the Afghan economy remains opium-based, says the US State Department.

Afghanistan now produces 93 per cent of the world’s opium poppies. Afghan farmers grew more poppies for opium in 2007 than ever before.

In a report on worldwide drug sales and production, the State Department observed that the drug mafia in Afghanistan is so strong that it is now a serious threat to is the Afghan government and security.

“The government at all levels must be held accountable to deter and eradicate poppy cultivation, remove and prosecute corrupt officials,” the US International Narcotics Control Strategy Report said.

Poppy production soared last year in southern provinces controlled by insurgents and provides the Taliban with the much-needed cash to continue their war against the Afghan government and the US-led Nato forces.