Why is heroin so cheap?

The drug that reportedly killed Philip Seymour Hoffman is inexpensive and readily available. Blame, in part, increased supply from Afghanistan.

heroin prices
(Image credit: (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes))

This death of actor Philip Seymour Hoffman on Sunday was, above all, a personal loss for his family and friends and — as Scott Meslow and many others have noted — a huge artistic loss for the U.S. and the world. It is also a cautionary tale about the dangers of heroin. As if we needed another one.

The list of famous actors and musicians who have died too young from overdosing on heroin is long and sad. It includes Cory Monteith, River Phoenix, John Belushi, Janis Joplin, and dozens more. But for every boldface name whose life was destroyed by the drug there are hundreds of un-famous victims.

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Peter Weber, The Week US

Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.