Erbil security forces arrest drug dealer, confiscate illicit items
ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – A suspected drug dealer was arrested by the Kurdistan Region’s Erbil security forces on Wednesday as a score of illicit items, including fake money, drugs, and a money printer were confiscated, according to a statement.
Erbil’s Anti-Narcotics Department on Wednesday announced that it had arrested an Iranian-national drug dealer with the initials (A – H – M) in the capital city on Wednesday, per a statement from the directorate.
The arrestee, the statement noted, carried a large number of narcotics with himself, including heroin, hashish, methamphetamine, and cannabis. A number of painkillers were also confiscated along with the narcotics.
The capital’s security forces also confiscated a sum of counterfeit money, estimated to be over two million Iraqi Dinars (more than $1,600), the statement said.
The dealer also had a money printer, a number of knives, and pipes for using the drugs, the statement said.
In mid-September, Erbil's Anti-Narcotics Directorate announced that its forces had confiscated illicit drugs and nearly 130 guns.
Read More: Erbil security seizes illegal drugs, nearly 130 guns
In late June, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) announced the arrest of 586 suspected drug dealers and users over the first half of 2020 to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, observed annually on June 26.
Read More: Kurdistan announces nearly 600 drug arrests in first half of 2020; over 350 kg seized
Kurdish and Iraqi authorities often intercept shipments of drugs passing through Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, mainly in the provinces of Basra, Diyala, Erbil, and Sulaimani.
Most of it is smuggled into the country through its porous border with Iran, on its way to Turkey, Syria, and ultimately Europe and North America.
Editing by Karzan Sulaivany