Peregraf

The Directorate of Combating Drugs and Narcotics in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq has announced the successful seizure of 82 kilograms of illicit drugs and the arrest of 16 individuals suspected of involvement in drug trafficking. These operations were conducted over the past two weeks in the cities of Duhok and Zakho, marking a significant step in the region's ongoing efforts to combat the growing drug trade.

According to an official statement released by the Directorate of Combating Drugs and Narcotics, the apprehended suspects include individuals engaged in drug trafficking, some of whom are citizens of neighboring countries. The confiscated substances comprised 22.94 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, 1.44 kilograms of heroin, and 50 kilograms of tramadol pills. In a particularly notable operation, authorities dismantled a trafficking network attempting to smuggle liquid crystal methamphetamine concealed within two cans of car oil, totaling 7.62 kilograms.

In addition to these seizures, enforcement teams confiscated 45 cartons of expired medicines and unmarked pills that had been illegally smuggled into the Kurdistan Region. These items, which pose significant health risks, were intercepted as part of broader efforts to curb the illegal pharmaceutical trade.

The Kurdistan Region is not alone in facing the challenges of drug trafficking. In separate operations, security forces in Baghdad seized 100 kilograms of Captagon pills, while another 70 kilograms were confiscated in Mosul. The Mosul operation was a coordinated effort involving the Directorate of Combating Drugs and Narcotics from Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Baghdad, and Mosul, highlighting the cross-regional nature of the drug trade and the collaborative measures being taken to address it.

The surge in drug-related activities in the Kurdistan Region, particularly in Duhok, has become a growing concern. According to a previous investigation by Peregraf, Duhok province recorded 1,000 drug-related cases in 2023 alone. This figure represents a dramatic increase compared to a decade ago, when the number of cases did not exceed 50. The rise equates to a staggering 1,900% increase in drug-related incidents over the past ten years.

This alarming trend is not confined to Duhok. Official statistics from the Directorate of Combating Drugs and Narcotics, covering areas such as Sulaymaniyah, Halabja, Garmian, and Raperin, reveal a significant escalation in drug seizures. In 2023, authorities confiscated 398 kilograms of illicit substances. However, in just the first 11 months of 2024, this figure surged to 3,024 kilograms, underscoring the rapid expansion of the drug trade in the region.

For further details, refer to Peregraf’s previous reports on drug-related crimes in Duhok.