Peregraf

The Kurdistan Region’s Interior Minister, Rebar Ahmad, issued a stark warning today, declaring that drug use has increased dramatically across Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, describing the crisis as a "serious challenge that has no less impact than terrorism."

Speaking at a national campaign against drug use, Minister Ahmad revealed that large quantities of drugs are entering Iraq from neighboring Iran and Syria, turning the country into a key trafficking corridor. "Due to our geographical location—surrounded by drug-producing countries and transit routes—our region has become a hotspot for the drug trade," he said.

The minister noted that the dramatic rise in drug consumption is part of a global trend, especially affecting youth and adolescents. "The growing market has empowered criminal groups financially, deepening the crisis and threatening public health and security."

Citing international data, he referenced findings from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), which estimates 275 million drug users worldwide, and statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO) indicating that about 500,000 people die annually due to drug use, with many more suffering long-term mental and physical harm.

Ahmad attributed the worsening situation in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region to ongoing political, economic, and military instability, which he said has created an environment ripe for the expansion of drug networks.

Despite the alarming trend, the minister emphasized that the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) is actively working to combat the crisis. “We are implementing a strategic plan and a comprehensive program in coordination with the federal government and international partners,” he said. This includes joint operations aimed at curbing the supply and arresting traffickers, alongside local efforts targeting borders, cafeterias, pharmacies, transport companies, and other public venues.

Shocking Numbers: Duhok Leads the Surge

The issue is particularly severe in Duhok, where drug-related cases surged from just 50 a decade ago to over 1,000 in 2023—a staggering 1,900% increase, according to a prior investigation by Peregraf.

This trend is mirrored across other regions. Data from the Directorate of Combating Drugs and Narcotics shows that while 398 kilograms of illicit substances were seized in 2023, the amount skyrocketed to 3,024 kilograms in just the first 11 months of 2024.

These figures highlight the rapid and dangerous expansion of drug-related activities throughout the Kurdistan Region.

For further details and in-depth reporting, see Peregraf’s previous coverage:

Alarming Growth: Duhok's Drug Cases Surge 1,900% in a Decade