Barzani Warns of Narcotics 'Enemy Plot,' Calls Drug Crisis Greatest Threat to Kurdistan

Peregraf- Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) President Masoud Barzani warned on Wednesday of a growing narcotics crisis in the Kurdistan Region, describing it as a "deliberate enemy plot" aimed at destabilizing society and weakening the Kurdish people.

Speaking at an election campaign event in Duhok, Barzani said that the spread of drugs represents "the greatest danger" currently facing the Kurdistan Region. He called on families, especially mothers, to raise awareness among their children about the severity of the threat.

"The current plot and enmity against our nation are far more dangerous than in the past," Barzani said. "Now, they are deliberately trying to get our people and youth addicted to narcotics. This is the greatest danger. They want to make our people desperate and lose affection and belonging to the homeland."

Barzani stressed that protecting youth is a national responsibility: "A great responsibility lies on your shoulders. Every woman should explain to her children what a dangerous plot is against us. If our youth lose faith in themselves, we will have no cause left."

His remarks come as drug-related cases surge in the Kurdistan Region. A previous Peregraf investigation revealed that in 2023 alone, more than 1,000 drug cases were recorded in Duhok province. A decade earlier, the figure did not exceed 50 cases, representing a 19-fold increase - nearly 1,900% - over the period. Similar data across the Kurdistan Region indicate an escalating crisis.

Salary Crisis "No Less than Anfal and Chemical Attacks"

Barzani also criticized the long-running salary crisis in the Kurdistan Region, accusing Baghdad of using public salaries as a political weapon.

"They turned the salaries of the people of Kurdistan into a political issue and used it as a card to destroy the Kurdistan Region," he said, adding that some internal actors "paved the way" for such pressure. "This is no less than Anfal and chemical attacks."

He warned that a "mentality of oppression" still exists in Baghdad and continues to shape its policies toward the Kurdistan Region.

"We assure you that no one can break our will or impose themselves on us - neither through salaries nor anything else," he said.

Barzani called renewed unity among Kurdish political forces essential to overcoming current challenges.

"If we are united, in agreement, and harmonious, no force can overcome us," he said. "All the problems we are facing now are the result of a lack of unity."

The KDP leader’s speech comes as parties intensify campaigning ahead of Iraq’s November 11 parliamentary elections, with security, livelihood, and governance issues at the forefront of public debate.