Ep 3. Heroin

In episode 3 of The Business of Drugs, titled Heroin, viewers are taken on a journey into the opioid epidemic that is ravaging many parts of the world. The episode explores the devastating effects of heroin use, from the rise in overdose deaths to the drug's impact on families and communities. It also sheds light on the complex web of players involved in the production, distribution, and consumption of heroin, from poppy farmers in Afghanistan to drug cartels in Mexico and street-level dealers in the United States.

The episode begins with a look at the production of heroin in Afghanistan, where the majority of the world's heroin is grown. Viewers are introduced to poppy farmers who make a living off the drug trade, as well as the Taliban militants who profit from it. The show explores the relationship between poverty, conflict, and heroin production in Afghanistan, as well as the ways in which international efforts to eradicate the crop have failed.

From there, the episode turns its attention to the supply chain of heroin, including the role of drug trafficking organizations in transporting the drug from Afghanistan to Europe and the Americas. Viewers are taken inside a heroin processing facility in Mexico, where drug cartels refine the drug and turn it into a form that can be sold on the streets. The show also explores the methods used by drug dealers to distribute heroin in the United States, including the use of "trap houses" and street-level sales.

The episode also delves into the way in which heroin addiction impacts individual users, as well as their families and communities. Viewers meet recovering addicts and their loved ones, as they share their personal stories of struggle and recovery. The show also highlights the ways in which heroin addiction can lead to crime, including theft and prostitution.

Throughout the episode, viewers are exposed to the many different players involved in the heroin trade, from politicians and law enforcement officials to drug users and their families. The show raises important questions about the way in which drug policy is formulated and implemented, as well as the role that organized crime and poverty play in sustaining the drug trade.

Overall, episode 3 of The Business of Drugs is a thought-provoking exploration of the global heroin epidemic. It offers a comprehensive look at the various factors that contribute to the production, distribution, and consumption of the drug, as well as the devastating impact that heroin addiction has on individuals, families, and communities. By shining a light on the lives touched by this powerful drug, the show underscores the urgent need for effective drug policies and interventions that can help alleviate the suffering caused by heroin.