In his progress report briefing at the UN today, Costa said: "The situation is out of control in the southern part of [Afghanistan], in some provinces [opium poppy cultivation] increasing, in some provinces stable, but we don't have a specific number. Last year, I remind you all, the cultivation was 166 thousand hectares."

Costa said the Taliban insurgency in the southern provinces is playing an active role in the increase of the poppy growth and trade.

He said that there is a notable decrease in the poppy cultivation in northern provinces but that the increase in the south will largely offset any positive gains against overall opium production in Afghanistan.

In its 2006 Afghanistan drug report the UN singled out three provinces -- all in the north, where poppy cultivation has been eradicated. Costa said that by June of 2007 up to 12 provinces may be declared opium free.