Opium output hit a record high in Afghanistan in 2003, with another increase expected this year in the war-torn country that does not have any other real exports, a conference was told on Sunday.

Two years after the ruling Taliban were ousted from power by a US-led coalition, opium production has skyrocketed as farmers crank up output, threatening efforts to strengthen the government and establish a proper economy.

"The conference is looking at income alternatives, demand reduction and law enforcement," said Adam Bouloukos, deputy representative of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).



Another country "liberated".......

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