John Derrick's Afghan drugs task (From This is The West Country)

John Derrick's Afghan drugs task

10:49am Monday 15th March 2010

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A FORMER student of Heathfield Community School, Monkton Heathfield, has swapped his desk job for role in Afghanistan.

John Derrick, 27, who also went to Richard Huish College, is working in Helmand’s Provincial capital Lashkar Gah where he is deputy head of Counter Narcotics.

He said: “There is no average day in Helmand, however, you can be sure of one thing, it will be long! Tackling drugs in Helmand is no easy task, but is a challenge worth taking. Dealing with the drugs on UK streets requires a comprehensive strategy and that means dealing with the issue at source.

“The majority of poppy farmers here in Helmand do not want to grow poppy, they would much rather grow licit crops such as wheat. The key is giving them an alternative, which is what the UK is doing in Helmand – helping to provide that alternative. The UK government is spending nearly $13million on a wheat seed distribution programme which is providing seed, fertiliser and insecticide to 39,640 beneficiaries from nine locations across the Province.”

“The lifestyle is not easy to adjust to – we work every day and the days are long. The rewards are more than worth it though. I can see the tangible difference that I and the rest of the team are making on the ground. When I see a farmer who has received wheat seed through our programme, the joy on his face makes the hard work worthwhile.”

“When I get home I am looking forward to having weekends again and seeing my mum and dad and older brother who all live close to Taunton. Most of all I am looking forward to being able to walk around freely again; living in a military base does not allow for much change of scenery.”

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