Afghanistan: Drug Traffickers

Lord Astor of Hever
asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they intend United Kingdom military forces deployed in the Helmand province of Afghanistan to target drug traffickers, as distinct from drug growers, operating in the province. [HL851]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence (Lord Drayson)
Under the terms of NATO's operational plan for the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), ISAF forces can provide, within means and capabilities, training and operational support to Afghan counter-narcotics efforts. But they are not there to take direct action against the drugs traffickers or to eradicate opium poppies in the fields. That is a job for the Afghan Government.

Lord Astor of Hever
asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many suspected drug traffickers United Kingdom forces deployed in the Helmand province of Afghanistan have detained and handed over to the Afghan authorities. [HL852]

Lord Drayson
UK Armed Forces deployed in Helmand province have not detained any drug traffickers.

The UK, as Afghanistan's partner nation on counter-narcotics remains committed to supporting the Afghan Government in implementing their national drug control strategy. The arrest and prosecution of drug traffickers is conducted by Afghan drugs law enforcement agencies, the Counter Narcotics Criminal Justice Task Force and the Government of Afghanistan.