The Russian Cultural Center, Kabul, Afghanistan, once showcased Soviet art and culture. The complex was destroyed during the civil war and for years has been used by Kabul's heroin addicts. Due to persecution, they hide largely unseen within the unlit rooms and passageways within the ruined complex. Despite the billions of dollars poured into counter-narcotics programs, there are virtually no rehabilitation facilities in Kabul to help the country's own victims, who are thought to exceed a million. Pressure from the authorities has seen many addicts forced out of the Russian Center and into even worse conditions throughout the capital.
With a million addicts, Afghanistan’s own heroin problem is vast and this is no less apparent in the capital, Kabul, where the Afghan government and international community are based. Billions of dollars have been spent on poppy eradication and initiatives to persuade Afghans to plant alternative crops, in efforts to diminish supply in foreign countries. Meanwhile, Afghanistan’s own addicts have largely been ignored and an opportunity to show solidarity with the Afghan people has been lost.
In the bowels of the Russian Cultural Center (which formerly showcased the Soviet Arts, before being destroyed in fighting after the Soviets withdrew), men live in squalor, hiding from the shame they face on the streets and police harassment. The few rehabilitation clinics available are underfunded, ill-equipped and cannot meet demand.
This project documents the few remaining addicts struggling for life in the ruins of the Russian Cultural Center. This complex once hosted hundreds of addicts but, following a TV expose that embarrassed the government, the majority were forcibly evicted and now live in even worse conditions throughout the capital. Those who remain resemble shadows, silently creeping through the perimeter during the hours of darkness to avoid robbery and beatings. Once inside, they disappear within the labyrinth of tunnels and light-less rooms, where even the police are reluctant to follow.
Afghan Heroin: Not for Export recognizes the unseen men battling addiction within Afghanistan; men forgotten by the world, disowned by society and, in their own words, lost even to God.