That's an important point indeed. However, right now Taliban needs boatloads of money esp thru channels that cannot be frozen by Western powers. Surely they would amp up the drugs production. Wouldn't be surprised if China gives a tacit support by helping them with logistics to move stuff more efficiently to western markets.

Considering the Taliban were from their inception an alliance of wealthy landlords and mullahs funded by the US to deal with the socialist and secular revolution underway in Afghanistan during the late 70's, it's no surprise.

One of the most impressive PR moves the US succeeded at in the cold war was convincing the world that the Mujahadeen were freedom fighters and not thugs for rich local assholes.