However , he said , in the lawless southern provinces and especially in the Taliban stronghold of Helmand , poppy production was going on largely unchecked . Study finds opium makes up about a quarter of Helmand province 's gross domestic product . Agency pushes Taliban forces to attack skyrocketing problem aggressively . Drugs funds insurgency ; poppy trade unchecked in NATO strongholds . Taliban drug chief advocates providing income alternative for poppy farmers .
Study finds opium makes up about a quarter of Helmand province 's gross domestic product . Agency pushes Taliban forces to attack skyrocketing problem aggressively . Drugs funds insurgency ; poppy trade unchecked in NATO strongholds . Taliban drug chief advocates providing income alternative for poppy farmers .