ISAF (International Security Assistance Force) reported the largest opium drug bust in Afghanistan’s history.

“The raid resulted in approximately 4,000 pounds of suspected narcotics (the equivalent of $2.5 – 3 million) being removed from the battlefield. This was the biggest drug bust in ANSF National Interdiction Unit history.”-Captain Joseph Quirk, 2nd Battalion, 9th U.S. Marine Regiment

The USMC said the bust was made by Afghan National Security Forces, after the opium was spotted by a USMC UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle).

However, ISAF forces had also been tipped off about the opium, in an earlier raid in Marjeh district of Helmand Province.

Captain Quirk made what could be called a famous last statement: “The amount of money lost by the insurgency will significantly affect the insurgents’ capabilities and resources for the spring offensive saving ANSF and International Security Assistance Force lives.”

The spring offensive always comes, and the opium dealing increases year after year.  How does that happen if we’re so good at making drug busts, throwing Afghans into prison without trial, and eradicating opium fields?