Erbil security seizes illegal drugs, nearly 130 guns
ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) - Security forces in Kurdistan Region's capital of Erbil announced on Wednesday that they had confiscated over five kilograms of illicit drugs and nearly 130 weapons in two separate raids on the previous night.
In an operation launched overnight, a “wanted individual” identified only with the initials A.M.H. was arrested in Erbil’s Ozal Village, a statement noted, adding, “Nearly five kilograms of methamphetamines, 50 grams of hashish, and opioids” were confiscated.
In another operation that night, another suspect was arrested while in the possession of a significant store of illegal weaponry that, according to the statement, “consisted of 80 AK-47 assault rifles, 36 pistols, 11 hunting rifles, and 29 binoculars.”
The sale and consumption of any narcotics or controlled medications are strictly forbidden in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq.
In late July, Erbil's Anti-Narcotics Directorate announced that its forces had confiscated 15 kilograms of narcotics along with two suspects who tried to smuggle the items into Turkey.
Read More: Erbil’s security forces arrest suspected drug-traffickers, confiscate 15 kilograms of narcotics
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 John J. Catherine