Over 6 kilograms of narcotics confiscated at Erbil airport: statement
ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – Security forces at the Erbil International Airport (EIA) confiscated over six kilograms of narcotics before they were exported outside of the Kurdistan Region, a statement from Erbil’s anti-narcotics department read.
Today’s confiscation came a day after Erbil’s security forces on Monday announced it had confiscated around two kilograms of opium at the Haji Omaran Border Crossing with Iran.
Read More: Erbil security confiscates 2 kg of narcotics, arrests suspect
The airport’s security forces seized six kilograms and 400 grams of opium, which were hidden in rugs and clothing, according to the statement.
The narcotics were intended to be exported outside the Kurdistan Region before they were seized by airport security forces, the statement noted.
In late October, security forces in Erbil arrested two suspects in possession of multiple narcotics and other controlled substances along with three weapons.
Read More: Kurdistan Region arrests 2 suspects in possession of drugs, weapons
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 mainly through the provinces of Basra, Diyala, Erbil, and Sulaimani, specifically in the towns and villages connecting the country with Iran and Turkey.
The sale or consumption of unregulated narcotics is strictly prohibited in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq.
Editing by Karzan Sulaivany