Drugs: Heroin Diplomacy

DRUGS Heroin Diplomacy Though heroin is smuggled into the U.S. by a bewildering variety of secret and devious means, its route before reaching American ports is remarkably well known. Of the 5,500 pounds of the powdery white drug believed to have entered the U.S. last year, fully 80% was grown in poppy fields in central Turkey, processed into morphine base there, and then refined into the final product in France, especially around the southern port city of Marseille.

U.S. drug authorities have tried for years to get France and Turkey to tighten restrictions on "H," but without much success. Last week...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!