Story perspectives

CIA's Failed Opium Battle: Billions Spent, Little Success

11/14/2025

25 2

Summary

Story summary

The Washington Post revealed a CIA operation in Afghanistan (2004–2015) to reduce opium production by dispersing genetically modified poppy seeds in Helmand and Nangarhar provinces.
Program was authorized by President George W. Bush and cost billions but had limited long-term success.
Opium production remained significant, accounting for 14% of Afghanistan's GDP by 2021.
Following the 2022 Taliban ban, production fell, but cultivation areas rose 19% the year after, moving northeast.

1 of 1

Story summary

The Washington Post revealed a CIA operation in Afghanistan (2004–2015) to reduce opium production by dispersing genetically modified poppy seeds in Helmand and Nangarhar provinces.
Program was authorized by President George W. Bush and cost billions but had limited long-term success.
Opium production remained significant, accounting for 14% of Afghanistan's GDP by 2021.
Following the 2022 Taliban ban, production fell, but cultivation areas rose 19% the year after, moving northeast.