Erbil security forces seize over 6 kilograms of marijuana, opium, and crystal meth

The arrest came after the security forces collected "detailed intelligence."

Halgurd Sherwani 2020/06/21 14:02

kurdistan Kurdistan KRG Erbil Narcotics Drugs

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – Kurdish drug-prevention security forces on Sunday arrested an alleged drug dealer in Erbil province, carrying more than six kilograms of narcotics.

"The dealer was arrested while he was selling [narcotic products]," read a statement from Erbil's Anti-Narcotics Directorate. The arrest came after the security forces collected "detailed intelligence," the directorate added.

The authorities also confiscated three types of narcotics the detainee was allegedly carrying, including three kilograms of marijuana, 1.8 kilograms of opium, and 1.75 kilograms of crystal meth, the statement added.

Authorities in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region have strictly prohibited the sale and consumption of any non-prescription drugs.

In late May, the Anti-Narcotics Directorate of Erbil's Soran district announced the seizure of over two kilograms of heroin and methamphetamine as well as the arrest of six individuals who carried the products.

Kurdish and Iraqi authorities often intercept shipments of such controlled substances passing through the country, mainly in the provinces of Basra, Diyala, Erbil, and Sulaimani, specifically in the towns and villages connecting the three states of Iraq, Iran, and Turkey.

Most drugs are smuggled into the region via the border with Iran on their way to Turkey, Syria, and ultimately, Europe and North America.

Local activists and authorities have also warned of the rise in drug abuse within Iraq itself.

In December, The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) announced that, in 2019, security forces in the autonomous region had arrested 1,702 individuals and charged them with either trafficking or possession of illegal drugs.