April 24, 2025

A Second Shot: Drug Addiction in Afghanistan

Afghanistan has one of the highest drug addiction rates in the world, with the Taliban estimating that around four million people are affected nationwide. Babrak, a former mujahideen fighter, was once part of this struggle. Now, he’s dedicated to helping others detox at one of the capital’s underfunded drug rehabilitation centers. Since the Taliban regained power in 2021, international aid has been withdrawn, and public services are on the brink of collapse. Despite these challenges, Babrak and a small team of medical staff continue to offer hope as the Taliban's harsh anti-drug policies are enforced.
April 23, 2025

Afghanistan: The Billion Dollar Drug War

Drug use in Afghanistan is at an all-time high. With NATO forces withdrawing and local law enforcement authorities having little to no funding, the poppy fields are thriving. In this documentary, 101 East investigates how Afghan authorities are fighting to regulate the return of poppy farming, the ramifications of the global war on drugs, and what the future holds for this vulnerable nation. Fortunately, there is one woman in Kabul who works endlessly to help addicts. Laila Haidari founded “Mother Camp”, a rehabilitation centre devoted to helping hundreds of people recover from addiction and connecting them with support groups. She devotes her life to this underserved group, trying to convince them to stop using drugs, spending hours a day counselling, consoling, and keeping the peace.