ISLAMABAD, Feb 25: Debunking the popular belief that illicit drug production fosters economic development, the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) has said a mere one per cent of the money ultimately spent worldwide by drug abusers is earned by farmers.

About 99 per cent of the income from this sordid business is earned by other people along the drug trafficking chain, says the INCB in its annual report for 2002.

This is evident from the fact that about $48 billion is spent on cocaine and $32 billion on heroin by consumers in western Europe and the United States per year, Thomas Zeindl- Cronin, head of INCB Office in Islamabad, said at a press conference held at the UN Information Centre to present the report on Tuesday.

Mr Aziz Khan, secretary, Narcotics Control Division, Government of Pakistan, was also present.

A comparative analysis of drug production data and economic growth rates in the main drug cultivating countries shows what there appears to be a negative correlation between illicit drug production and economic development.

The bulk of drug trafficking profits are made in developed countries and not in the developing countries. Profits made from illicit drug trafficking in developed countries usually account for at least one half to two third of total drug trafficking profits, he observed.

The INCB is an independent body and its main function is to monitor government compliance with the international drug control treaties.

The report includes message from the INCB president, Philip Emafo, who said the fact that illicit drug traffic production prevented long-term economic growth was proved by the situation in Afghanistan, where massive increases in opium production in the early 1990s only helped fuel civil wars.

“Drug control by governments”, is, therefore, not only in the interest of health and security, but also in the interest of building a viable and sustainable economy,” he added.

According to the report, Afghanistan, by producing 3,400 tons of opium in 2002, became the largest opium producer in the world, followed by Myanmar and Lao People’s Democratic Republic. This is an international problem since over three quarters of the heroin sold in Europe originates in Afghanistan. All heroin consumed in West and Central Asia also comes from Afghanistan.

With regard to Pakistan, the report takes note of the eradication campaigns undertaken by the government last year in April when poppy crop was destroyed over approximately 700 hectares.

Nevertheless, as also reaffirmed by the Narcotics Division secretary in his speech, some resurgence of poppy cultivation has again been reported this year, notably from Khyber Agency, South Waziristan, and, on a minor level, from other tribal areas such as Dir.

According to Mr Khan, the output of opinion in 2002 was six tons, signifying remarkable success in view of 800 tons produced in 1980s.