ISIS Generates $1bn Annually From Trafficking Afghan Heroin

ISIS is profiting hugely from drug money. It makes upto $1 billion every year through sales in its conquered lands, says the Russian Federal Drug Control Service (FSKN), according to rt.

"The area of poppy plantations is growing. This year, I think, we'll hear news about a record-high poppy harvest, therefore a high yield of opium and heroin. So this issue should be raised not only in Moscow, but also in the UN in general, because this is a threat not only to our country, but also European security. Over the past five years the Balkan route has been split - heroin traffic now also goes through Iraqi territory," said FSKN head Viktor Ivanov.

The huge profits are mainly because massive quantities of poppy are being transported through such parts of Iraq, which are controlled by the Islamic State. Hence, it is like a huge financial sponsorship, according to Ivanov.

Social media respondents are livid about the collusion between ISIS as well as Europe.

Unlike the al-Qaeda terrorists, ISIS sources only a few funds from donors and does not depend on transactions through countries over the world. Although coalition forces are trying to stop funds to the militants, it still continues to thrive and create capital, according to dailymail.

"According to our estimates, IS makes up to $1 billion annually on Afghan heroin trafficked through its territory," he added. Selling Afghan heroin in Europe could generate upwards of $50 billion for militants, according to the FKSN in November. More than half of Europe's heroin is sourced from the IS, according to Ivanov. Hence, drugs, oil and conquests have been funding ISIS profits.

The IS is sourcing its funds from multiple finance-generating activities, although its reliance on oil is unique, unlike earlier terrorist groups, said a recent report by the Financial Action Task Force.

Whether the IS can hold its drugs, apart from running a smuggling business, is controversial. After all, most of the Islamist militants group is a disorganized bunch of "office workers and villagers" on drugs, according to a British ex-soldier who joined the Peshmerga Kurdish fighters in November 2014. "They do not have a choice, and they don't have any information, or even any clear leadership. Many of them are heavily involved in taking drugs they are so terrified," Jamie Read said.

Reportedly, the terrorists have been diversifying their approach to finance their operations.