I know this probably sounds a bit simplistic, but here goes. If the UN bought all the poppy crops from the Afghans at the going rate or even for a bit more. we could then encourage the farmers to grow a legal cash crop and ensure that this crop would be sold for a proffit. The local warlords might need a bit of 'gentle' persuasion at first, but would almost certainly come round when the money started rolling in. Not only could we win few hearts and minds, but we might even dramatically cut the amount of heroin flooding the western markets.