The Threat of Captagon Pill Trafficking to National Security

By: Khdir Mantik

The smuggling and trade of narcotics, particularly Captagon pills, pose a serious and alarming threat to national security in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq. Sulaimaniyah, in particular, has become a central hub for networks involved in the illicit trade of narcotics. Various Arab and international media outlets have reported that under the new leadership of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), Sulaimaniyah has become a transit point for smuggling drugs originating from Afghanistan and Iran. These activities have reportedly been facilitated by certain local authorities in the region.

Furthermore, the existence of one of the largest Captagon production facilities within the PUK-controlled areas has amplified the threat to national security. On Sunday, October 13, 2024, Miqdad Miry, a spokesperson for Iraq’s Ministry of Interior, revealed the discovery of a narcotics production facility in the Darbandikhan district.

This announcement followed an earlier report by the Kurdistan Counterterrorism Forces on Thursday, October 10, 2024, detailing the seizure of a narcotics production facility in the Awbari village near Darbandikhan. The raid, conducted by federal government agencies, uncovered nearly two tons of Captagon pills and associated materials.

The Kurdistan Counterterrorism Forces also disclosed that this facility operated under the direct supervision of senior figures within the PUK leadership. Allegedly, PUK authorities have exerted significant efforts to obscure the incident from public and media scrutiny, limiting its exposure.

Political and Institutional Responses

Two weeks prior, during the Mesopotamia Medical Congress, President Masoud Barzani issued a warning about the existence of narcotics production facilities in PUK-controlled areas. He emphasized the need for stringent measures to curb such illegal activities, including the production and trafficking of drugs, which he described as a grave threat to social stability and the rule of law.

Following President Barzani’s warning, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), under Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, inaugurated the Central Awareness and Rehabilitation Center for Drug Abuse in Erbil. During the opening ceremony, Prime Minister Barzani reiterated the critical importance of combating drug-related issues, which he identified as a significant threat to public health, economic stability, and social cohesion in the region.

Media Exposure and Public Awareness

On Thursday, November 28, 2024, the issue of narcotics production in Sulaimaniyah drew significant attention from Iraqi and Arab media outlets during the sixth annual International Book Fair held in the city. Reports highlighted the seizure of a factory producing Captagon and crystal methamphetamine in Sulaimaniyah, with connections to broader trafficking networks supplying markets in the Gulf and Europe.

At the same time, Walid Ibrahim, a judiciary investigator specializing in narcotics cases in Baghdad, stated that Iraqi security forces had confiscated over 151,000 kilograms of narcotics from the factory near Darbandikhan. This incident underscored the scale of the issue and its implications for the region’s stability.

The Role of Key Actors

Reports indicate that certain elements within the PUK have facilitated and profited from the trafficking of narcotics. Additionally, the PKK, operating under PUK supervision in Sulaimaniyah, has allegedly used the region as a logistical base for drug smuggling operations to fund its militant activities. Furthermore, Shiea militia networks in Iraq play a significant role in trafficking drugs, using Sulaimaniyah as a transit point before distributing them to other parts of Iraq and beyond.

Societal and National Security Implications

The widespread availability of narcotics has devastating consequences on individuals and society. Beyond the health and psychological damage, drug addiction leads to economic hardship, criminal activities, and increased instances of violence. It disrupts the social fabric and undermines the stability of communities, often being exploited by terrorist organizations for recruitment and funding.

Globally referred to as white terrorism, the proliferation of narcotics is considered a major threat to national security. In regions like Kurdistan, the issue highlights the pressing need for coordinated efforts to address the root causes of drug production and trafficking.

Government Initiatives

Under the leadership of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (pdk), the KRG has taken significant steps to combat drug trafficking. Enhanced security measures in Erbil, combined with international cooperation, have led to the arrest of numerous trafficking networks. However, greater vigilance is required in areas like Sulaimaniyah, where enforcement remains a challenge.

The establishment of rehabilitation centers and increased public awareness campaigns in Erbil demonstrate the government’s commitment to addressing this issue. However, combating the narcotics crisis requires unified efforts across political and institutional lines to protect the region’s security and future.

The KRG’s resolve to counter this threat underscores its dedication to ensuring a secure and prosperous future for the Kurdistan Region. With continued vigilance and international support, the region can overcome this challenge and safeguard its society from the devastating effects of drug trafficking.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Kurdistan24.