Britain has increased funding for the fight against drugs in Afghanistan by £115 million, Foreign Office minister Kim Howells said last night.

Speaking after a meeting with Afghan counter-narcotics minister Habibullah Qaderi, he reiterated the UK’s commitment to tackling the production of heroin in Afghanistan.

“Over the next three years we will commit over £270 million – an increase of £115 million – to help tackle the menace of the drugs trade,” Dr Howells said.

He added: “More than 95 per cent of the heroin in the UK originates in Afghanistan. Working to eliminate opium is vital for Afghanistan’s future and is key to its stability.”

Mr Qaderi welcomed the support, saying the additional funding would “greatly help” his country’s efforts to tackle drugs.

“Across Afghanistan, from Kabul to the provinces, we need to do more to stop the evils of the drugs trade and those involved in it,” he said.