Dehmazang [2007-2010]
2007. Afghanistan is the largest producer of opium in the world, accounting for 90% of worldwide production. In 2006, 6100 tons were produced, and more than 8000 tons in 2007. Opium represents 50% of the country’s GDP, employs 12% of Afghans and partly contributes to funding for the Taliban and other insugents.
Beyond its status as a producer, the country has also proven to be a consumer. According to a study from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), out of the one million regular drug consumers in Afghanistan there are 200 000 opiates users, of which 50 000 are heroin users. The story of heroin in Afghanistan reflects, above all, a country stricken by 30 years of continuous conflict. Primarily, the story of heroin in Afghanistan is the story of its refugees. Back in their native country, often due to an expulsion, Afghan “returnees” have introduced heroin and dangerous practices, which are now spreading throughout the rest of the population. While in the provinces opium continues to be smoked in the traditional manner, in Kabul, intravenous injections of heroin are now apparent. AIDS, which didn’t previously exist there, is now being propagated. Several hundreds of users have made their home within the ruins of a former Soviet Cultural Centre in the west of Kabul that has since been transformed into a squat. Their stories intertwine and repeat themselves. All of them have come from Iran, all have let themselves be led into the lair of the white powder during their exile in this neighbouring country, through which heroin is transported and which is ranked the number one worldwide consumer of opiates (nearly 3% of the population are users). All of them have been deported because they don’t have or no longer have a green card, but more particularly because they are users. Their numbers are growing every day. The squat has become a refuge for these Afghans who return home with nothing. They have had to leave their families behind them and must also bear the burden of their drug dependency. As the seasons come and go, life is organised in the dark rooms of the squat. It also stops sometimes. Heroin, as master of the game, sets the tempo, offering pitiful comfort to a battered Afghanistan, the victim of a strong return of the insurrection. And as if in response to the hopes of peace and of a better life which are being crushed in this country, the number of users continues to grow from one year to the next.
2010. The number of heroin users has more than doubled: they are now 120 000. Afghan authorities have evacuated and closed the squat a few months ago : repressive measures as a response to the helplessness phenomenon. Now entrenched themselves under a bridge, in the waters stagnant users confides to me, a bit nostalgic: “We had a roof at least there, the feet dry. And almost some privacy. It was good finally at Dehmazang”.