Ross Kemp Return to Afghanistan Season 1 Episode 2 2

Ross Kemp, the renowned British investigative journalist, returns to Afghanistan to explore the ongoing conflicts and threats faced by the country. In the second episode of the first season, Ross sets out to investigate the issue of opium production in one of the most dangerous areas of Afghanistan, the Nangarhar province.

Ross begins by giving an overview of the history of opium production in Afghanistan, which has been associated with the country for centuries. He explains that Afghanistan produces 90% of the world's opium, which is then traded illegally, leading to the funding of terrorism and worsening of the drug epidemic globally.

As Ross moves through the Nangarhar province, he speaks with former opium farmers, who have now dedicated themselves to cultivating other crops such as saffron, as part of a government initiative to encourage farmers to switch to legal crops. However, Ross learns that the farmers are struggling with the lack of proper infrastructure, water supply, and electricity, which makes it challenging to grow crops on a large scale.

Ross also meets with a high-ranking government official, who shares his views on the issue and explains how the government is trying to tackle the problem, but the challenges are immense. The official cites the Taliban's involvement in opium cultivation and the difficulties in implementing policies and laws in the region due to the ongoing conflict.

Moreover, Ross speaks with a group of young people in the area, who have come together to form anti-opium organizations to educate and raise awareness about the dangers of drug addiction and production. These young activists also perform street theater performances, which communicate their message to the broader community.

Throughout the episode, Ross highlights the many facets of the opium industry, including the role of trafficking organizations, the impact of addiction on families and communities, and the international cooperation needed to combat this issue.

As Ross concludes his journey in the Nangarhar province, he reflects on the complexity of the issue of opium production in Afghanistan. He emphasizes the need for long-term strategies, such as economic development and educational programs, to address the root causes of the cultivation of illegal crops.

Overall, Ross Kemp's Return to Afghanistan Season 1 Episode 2 is an eye-opening and thought-provoking exploration of the challenges posed by opium production in Afghanistan, highlighting the critical need for a coordinated global response to tackle this issue.