# Opium on The No Agenda Show

Opium comes up in 62 chapters across 62 episodes of The No Agenda Show, from November 2007 to October 2025.

- **Chapters:** 62
- **Episodes:** 62
- **Discussed:** November 2007 – October 2025
- **Related topics:** [Afghanistan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/afghanistan.md), [Poppies](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/poppies.md), [Heroin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/heroin.md), [Cia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cia.md), [Poppy Fields](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/poppy-fields.md), [Taliban](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/taliban.md), [Unodc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/unodc.md), [China](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/china.md), [Hamid Karzai](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hamid-karzai.md), [United Nations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/united-nations.md)

## Chapters 1–20 of 62

### Global Drug Trade, East India Company, and Downton Abbey

- **Episode:** [1805: Hamburger Wine](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1805-hamburger-wine.md)
- **Published:** 2025-10-05
- **Time:** 37:55–39:30
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1805-hamburger-wine/chapter/global-drug-trade-east-india-company-and-downton-abbey.md

The hosts connect modern drug trafficking to historical precedents, citing the East India Company's role in the Opium Wars. They reference the final season of Downton Abbey to illustrate the decline of the British elite whose wealth was built on illicit trade. The discussion suggests that the global economy remains heavily dependent on the illicit drug trade and that historical animosities toward American success persist.

Keywords: east india company, [opium wars](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/opium-wars.md), downton abbey, drug economy, [city of london](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/city-of-london.md)

### Pam Bondi, Weaponization, and the Sassoon Family

- **Episode:** [1740: DOGE-CAM](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1740-doge-cam.md)
- **Published:** 2025-02-20
- **Time:** 26:00–30:01
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1740-doge-cam/chapter/pam-bondi-weaponization-and-the-sassoon-family.md

Attorney General Pam Bondi's focus on DOJ "weaponization" is analyzed alongside claims from legal experts about targeting political enemies. A brief biographical note mentions a former acting attorney general's connection to the Sassoon family and their historical involvement in the 19th-century opium trade.

Keywords: [pam bondi](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pam-bondi.md), jack goldsmith, emile bouvier, sassoon family, opium trade

### Fentanyl Crisis and Afghanistan Withdrawal Strategy

- **Episode:** [1380: TransMoney](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1380-transmoney.md)
- **Published:** 2021-09-11
- **Time:** 2:08:34–2:13:18
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1380-transmoney/chapter/fentanyl-crisis-and-afghanistan-withdrawal-strategy.md

The rise in fentanyl overdoses, including the death of actor Michael K. Williams, is linked to the withdrawal from Afghanistan. The discussion explores whether the "leave-behind" equipment in Afghanistan was a strategic move by Mike Pompeo to create a quagmire for China's Belt and Road Initiative.

Keywords: [fentanyl](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fentanyl.md), michael k. williams, [opium wars](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/opium-wars.md), [china](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/china.md), [mike pompeo](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mike-pompeo.md)

### Opium Fields, Futility of Afghan Mission

- **Episode:** [1377: R9X](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1377-r9x.md)
- **Published:** 2021-08-29
- **Time:** 49:20–53:15
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1377-r9x/chapter/opium-fields-futility-of-afghan-mission.md

The dilemma of Afghan opium fields is highlighted as a symbol of the mission's failure: destroying fields drove farmers to the Taliban, while leaving them funded the insurgency. Veterans recall a pervasive sense of futility, knowing the country would revert to Taliban control upon U.S. departure. The mission's shift from capturing Bin Laden to "spreading democracy" is viewed as a fundamental strategic error.

Keywords: [opium](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/opium.md), [taliban](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/taliban.md), [counterinsurgency](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/counterinsurgency.md), [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [guantanamo bay](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/guantanamo-bay.md)

### Afghan Poppy Trade, CIA Black Ops Financing

- **Episode:** [1374: Shetard](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1374-shetard.md)
- **Published:** 2021-08-19
- **Time:** 2:54:36–2:57:01
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1374-shetard/chapter/afghan-poppy-trade-cia-black-ops-financing.md

A farmer with family in Afghanistan describes how poppy production increased significantly after the 2001 U.S. invasion. The hosts speculate on a potential deal between the CIA and the Taliban to continue using opium production to finance black operations, noting the historical use of Chinook helicopters in the region.

Keywords: [opium](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/opium.md), [heroin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/heroin.md), poppy farming, [chinook helicopters](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/chinook-helicopters.md), [cia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cia.md)

### Opium Production, UNODC 2020 Afghanistan Survey

- **Episode:** [1373: Mass Formation](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1373-mass-formation.md)
- **Published:** 2021-08-16
- **Time:** 1:53:26–1:56:23
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1373-mass-formation/chapter/opium-production-unodc-2020-afghanistan-survey.md

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) reports a 37% increase in Afghan opium cultivation for 2020. The discussion explores the role of the U.S. military in guarding poppy fields and the potential impact of the Taliban takeover on the global heroin trade, despite the rise of synthetic fentanyl.

Keywords: [opium](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/opium.md), [heroin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/heroin.md), [unodc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/unodc.md), [poppy fields](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/poppy-fields.md), [fentanyl](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fentanyl.md)

### British Tea Trade and the Boston Tea Party

- **Episode:** [1201: John's Story Time](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1201-john-s-story-time.md)
- **Published:** 2019-12-26
- **Time:** 19:46–21:23
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1201-john-s-story-time/chapter/british-tea-trade-and-the-boston-tea-party.md

The history of British tea colonization is discussed, specifically how long-term deals from the 1800s secured high-quality tea for brands like PG Tips and Sainsbury's. The conversation touches on the upcoming anniversary of the Boston Tea Party and the historical context of the British tea and opium trade with China.

Keywords: [pg tips](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pg-tips.md), [sainsbury's](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sainsbury-s.md), tea trade, [boston tea party](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/boston-tea-party.md), [china](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/china.md), [opium](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/opium.md)

### Opium Wars History, Roosevelt Family Wealth

- **Episode:** [1167: Nine Dash Line](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1167-nine-dash-line.md)
- **Published:** 2019-10-06
- **Time:** 1:54:21–2:00:36
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1167-nine-dash-line/chapter/opium-wars-history-roosevelt-family-wealth.md

The historical context of the Opium Wars is explored, highlighting the role of American elites in the 19th-century drug trade. Warren Delano, grandfather of FDR, is identified as a major opium dealer. The segment links historical drug running to the modern fentanyl crisis and the wealth of families like the Forbes.

Keywords: [opium wars](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/opium-wars.md), franklin delano roosevelt, warren delano, john forbes kerry, [fentanyl](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fentanyl.md)

### Afghanistan Poppy Eradication Failure, Opium GDP Statistics

- **Episode:** [1126: Truth to Podcaster](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1126-truth-to-podcaster.md)
- **Published:** 2019-04-06
- **Time:** 30:24–33:49
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1126-truth-to-podcaster/chapter/afghanistan-poppy-eradication-failure-opium-gdp-statistics.md

SIGAR testimony confirms that U.S. counter-narcotics programs in Afghanistan, costing $9 billion, have had zero effect on poppy production. Opium remains the country's largest cash crop, accounting for approximately 30% of its GDP, with production levels reaching record highs. Officials admit that a recent slight decrease in crop yield was due to environmental drought rather than successful interdiction efforts.

Keywords: [poppy fields](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/poppy-fields.md), [opium](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/opium.md), [afghanistan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/afghanistan.md), [narcotics](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/narcotics.md), [drug interdiction](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/drug-interdiction.md), [gdp](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gdp.md)

### Afghanistan Opium Production, Hamid Karzai

- **Episode:** [982: Support Squirrel](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/982-support-squirrel.md)
- **Published:** 2017-11-16
- **Time:** 1:42:25–1:46:34
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/982-support-squirrel/chapter/afghanistan-opium-production-hamid-karzai.md

Opium production in Afghanistan has nearly doubled in the last year, reaching record levels. Former President Hamid Karzai criticized the U.S. strategy in the region, claiming that the ongoing war is breeding violence and alienating the Afghan people.

Keywords: [afghanistan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/afghanistan.md), [opium](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/opium.md), [poppies](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/poppies.md), [hamid karzai](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hamid-karzai.md), [taliban](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/taliban.md)

### Geopolitics of Burma and Opium Production

- **Episode:** [964: 6th Mass Extinction](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/964-6th-mass-extinction.md)
- **Published:** 2017-09-14
- **Time:** 1:37:57–1:42:16
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/964-6th-mass-extinction/chapter/geopolitics-of-burma-and-opium-production.md

The hosts analyze the strategic importance of Burma (Myanmar) due to its border with China and its status as the world's second-largest producer of opium. They compare the current conflict to the breakup of Yugoslavia, suggesting that international intervention often follows a specific "playbook" involving UN peacekeepers. The discussion touches on the role of military intelligence versus the CIA in managing regional instability.

Keywords: [china](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/china.md), [yugoslavia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/yugoslavia.md), [opium](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/opium.md), [poppies](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/poppies.md), [military intelligence](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/military-intelligence.md)

### Afghanistan Strategy and the Poppy Field Protection

- **Episode:** [958: The Talking Stick!](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/958-the-talking-stick.md)
- **Published:** 2017-08-24
- **Time:** 1:36:09–1:39:57
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/958-the-talking-stick/chapter/afghanistan-strategy-and-the-poppy-field-protection.md

Reports indicate thousands of paratroopers are being deployed to Afghanistan as part of President Trump's new strategy. The hosts discuss the theory that the U.S. military presence is primarily focused on protecting poppy fields, which fuel the global opium trade. Adam Curry suggests that burning the poppy fields would be a way to declare victory and simultaneously address the domestic opioid crisis.

Keywords: [afghanistan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/afghanistan.md), [donald trump](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donald-trump.md), [poppy fields](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/poppy-fields.md), [opium](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/opium.md), [opioid crisis](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/opioid-crisis.md), [paratroopers](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/paratroopers.md)

### Kleiner Perkins Opium Incident, Ray Lane, Professional Traps

- **Episode:** [944: Ming the Magnificent](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/944-ming-the-magnificent.md)
- **Published:** 2017-07-06
- **Time:** 14:46–17:19
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/944-ming-the-magnificent/chapter/kleiner-perkins-opium-incident-ray-lane-professional-traps.md

A personal anecdote describes an encounter at a Kleiner Perkins party where a receptionist allegedly offered a guest opium. Months later, venture capitalist Ray Lane investigated the incident, revealing that the employee had a history of attempting to trap male executives into compromising situations for financial settlements.

Keywords: [kleiner perkins](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/kleiner-perkins.md), [ray lane](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ray-lane.md), [opium](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/opium.md), [venture capital](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/venture-capital.md), [harassment](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/harassment.md)

### Afghan Warlord Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, CIA and Opium Trade

- **Episode:** [928: Watergate II](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/928-watergate-ii.md)
- **Published:** 2017-05-11
- **Time:** 37:48–41:34
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/928-watergate-ii/chapter/afghan-warlord-gulbuddin-hekmatyar-cia-and-opium-trade.md

Afghan warlord Gulbuddin Hekmatyar returned to Kabul and demanded the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan. This development prompted a discussion on the historical link between intelligence agencies and the drug trade, referencing the movie "American Gangster" and the Iran-Contra scandal. Speculation suggests the current U.S. opium epidemic may be tied to "black money" operations involving Afghan poppy fields.

Keywords: gulbuddin hekmatyar, [afghanistan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/afghanistan.md), [cia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cia.md), [opium](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/opium.md), heroin epidemic

### Afghanistan Opium Trade, UNODC Report, Eradication Failure

- **Episode:** [885: Force Majeur](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/885-force-majeur.md)
- **Published:** 2016-12-11
- **Time:** 1:55:41–1:57:53
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/885-force-majeur/chapter/afghanistan-opium-trade-unodc-report-eradication-failure.md

Opium production in Afghanistan has reportedly risen by 43% in the last year despite billions spent by the U.S. on eradication efforts. The hosts suggest that the military is effectively protecting poppy fields rather than destroying them, as the trade now accounts for 90% of the world's supply.

Keywords: [afghanistan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/afghanistan.md), [opium](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/opium.md), [heroin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/heroin.md), [unodc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/unodc.md), [war on terror](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/war-on-terror.md), [drug trade](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/drug-trade.md)

### Afghanistan Opium Production and Mexican Competition

- **Episode:** [765: Smart Power](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/765-smart-power.md)
- **Published:** 2015-10-15
- **Time:** 2:23:44–2:25:18
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/765-smart-power/chapter/afghanistan-opium-production-and-mexican-competition.md

Reports indicate that opium poppy acreage in Afghanistan is down 19%, potentially cutting output by half. The hosts attribute this shift to the rise of poppy cultivation in Mexico, suggesting the US no longer needs the Afghan supply. They speculate this decline in production may finally allow for a full US military withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Keywords: [opium](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/opium.md), [afghanistan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/afghanistan.md), [mexico](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mexico.md), [poppies](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/poppies.md), [drug trade](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/drug-trade.md)

### Synthetic Heroin Production via Genetically Modified Yeast

- **Episode:** [723: Axe Man](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/723-axe-man.md)
- **Published:** 2015-05-25
- **Time:** 1:42:40–1:44:56
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/723-axe-man/chapter/synthetic-heroin-production-via-genetically-modified-yeast.md

The New York Times reports on a breakthrough in synthesizing morphine and heroin using genetically modified yeast instead of opium poppies. This development, published in "Nature Chemical Biology," could allow drug production to move from fields in Afghanistan to small-scale laboratory settings. The potential economic impact on nations dependent on poppy cultivation and the CIA's alleged black budget is discussed.

Keywords: synthetic heroin, [morphine](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/morphine.md), [yeast](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/yeast.md), nature chemical biology, opium poppies, [afghanistan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/afghanistan.md)

### Afghanistan Opium Production and State Department Failure

- **Episode:** [688: Threat Stream](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/688-threat-stream.md)
- **Published:** 2015-01-18
- **Time:** 2:32:08–2:36:38
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/688-threat-stream/chapter/afghanistan-opium-production-and-state-department-failure.md

A State Department press briefing addressed the failure of a $4 billion counter-narcotics program in Afghanistan, where opium production has reached record highs. Spokesperson Marie Harf struggled to answer why production increased despite the massive spending, eventually stating she would have to "check with her folks" regarding the SIGAR report.

Keywords: [afghanistan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/afghanistan.md), [opium](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/opium.md), [poppy production](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/poppy-production.md), [marie harf](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/marie-harf.md), [sigar](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sigar.md), [state department](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/state-department.md)

### Afghanistan Opium Production, UNODC Report, Heroin Prices

- **Episode:** [685: Schwack the Nose](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/685-schwack-the-nose.md)
- **Published:** 2015-01-09
- **Time:** 2:23:42–2:27:06
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/685-schwack-the-nose/chapter/afghanistan-opium-production-unodc-report-heroin-prices.md

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) reports a record increase in opium production in Afghanistan for 2014. The hosts discuss the expansion of poppy "hectarage" and the role of US military bases in protecting these fields. They note that the high supply has driven heroin prices significantly lower than methamphetamine.

Keywords: [afghanistan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/afghanistan.md), [unodc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/unodc.md), [opium](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/opium.md), [poppy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/poppy.md), [heroin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/heroin.md), [meth](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/meth.md)

### Taliban Detainee Khairullah Khairkhwa and Opium Trade

- **Episode:** [623: Fact Pattern](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/623-fact-pattern.md)
- **Published:** 2014-06-08
- **Time:** 1:32:40–1:36:46
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/623-fact-pattern/chapter/taliban-detainee-khairullah-khairkhwa-and-opium-trade.md

The discussion identifies Khairullah Khairkhwa, one of the five released Taliban detainees, as a major narcotics trafficker and opium drug lord in Western Afghanistan. The hosts theorize that his release was prioritized to ensure the continued flow of drug money as the U.S. winds down its presence in the region. They suggest the CIA may have a hand in managing these assets for financial reasons.

Keywords: khairullah khairkhwa, [taliban](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/taliban.md), [opium](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/opium.md), [poppy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/poppy.md), [cia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cia.md), [afghanistan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/afghanistan.md)

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