Peregraf
The Directorate of Combating Drugs and Narcotics announced that security forces have seized 26 kilograms and 208 grams of narcotics, including crystal meth, hashish, and heroin, in Erbil province over the past two weeks.
According to the directorate, these seizures were carried out in coordination with the security directorates of Pirmam and Soran following the authorization of the security investigation judge. The operations led to the arrest and dismantling of several drug trafficking and distribution networks, resulting in the detention of 11 suspects.
Legal proceedings have been initiated against the detainees under the Anti-Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act.
Peregraf’s follow-ups indicate that arrests of drug dealers and users are occurring almost weekly, often involving significant quantities of narcotics. Last year alone, over 1,000 drug-related incidents were documented in Duhok, a stark contrast to the slightly over 50 cases recorded annually a decade ago. This represents a staggering 19-fold increase, or 1,900%.
The Law on Combating Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, enacted in the Kurdistan Region in 2020, imposes severe penalties on drug traffickers and users, including fines, life imprisonment, and potentially the death penalty. However, the law also allows drug users to seek treatment in specialized rehabilitation centers without facing legal consequences if they voluntarily enroll.
From 2019 to mid-2022, over 5,419 individuals were detained for drug-related offenses in the Kurdistan Region, with authorities confiscating more than 1,200 kilograms of drugs and 60,000 packets of narcotics, according to the Kurdistan Regional Government’s official website.
Official statistics from the Directorate of Combating Drugs, covering the Sulaymaniyah, Halabja, Garmian, and Raperin areas, indicate that drug seizures in 2024 increased by 659% compared to 2023. Only 398 kilograms of narcotics were seized in 2023, whereas 3,024 kilograms have been confiscated in 2024 so far. Meanwhile, arrests of drug suspects saw a modest increase of 2.83%, rising from 991 in 2023 to 1,019 in 2024.
The ongoing rise in drug-related incidents underscores the escalating challenge posed by narcotics trafficking in the Kurdistan Region. Despite strict legal measures, the persistent increase in seizures and arrests highlights the need for a multifaceted approach that includes law enforcement, public awareness, and rehabilitation programs.