The species most commonly used for this purpose is Papaver somniferum, which produces opium as a natural defense against predators.

The flowers produce opium, morphine and heroin (which is a highly refined form of morphine).

"We had a brief opportunity to significantly impact their potential to produce opium," one senior American official involved in the effort said.

Australia is one of the few countries that produces licit opium for pharmaceuticals.

An attempt has been made to restore this industry as an alternative for farmers who currently produce opium.

Dragomirov shows Sharpe around his field headquarters, where Indian slaves produce opium.

Some 3.3 million Afghans are involved in producing opium.

Some purpose-developed strains of poppy now produce opium that is up to 26 percent morphine by weight.

As of 2005, India was the only country producing licit opium (opium gum) for both domestic use and export.

China ceased producing licit opium after 2001.