Kurdish security confiscates 36kg heroin hidden inside vehicle in Soran

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – Soran security on Sunday said they had confiscated dozens of packages of illicit drugs smuggled into the Kurdistan Region from a neighboring country.

The drugs came through Turkey into the Kurdistan Region, security said, although it is not clear if they originated from there.

The major drug bust took place after Peshmerga forces tipped off local security.

They confiscated 36 kilograms of heroin, according to the General Director of Soran Security, Sadiq Ali, who spoke with Kurdistan 24 on Sunday.

He mentioned that the drugs were hidden inside a Toyota Land Cruiser.

“Although the drug dealer has not yet been arrested, he is known by security. He is also from the city of Soran,” Ali added, stating the suspect fled before security forces could arrest him.

The Kurdish official also noted that local security forces have seized over 100 kilograms of drugs in three different operations in the area over the past month.

Kurdish Asayish often confiscate drugs and other illicit material as they are transiting through the Kurdistan Region, mainly in the Erbil and Sulaimani provinces. Most of it is smuggled into the Kurdistan Region through its borders with Iran.

Kurdish authorities regularly intercept shipments of opium, marijuana, crystal methamphetamines, and pills on their way to Turkey, Syria, and ultimately Europe.

Last month, Soran security also announced they had seized some 50 kilograms of heroin at the Kurdistan Region’s border with Turkey as it was on its way to Syria.

The same security office at the beginning of May announced the seizure of another 12 kilograms of heroin that smugglers were attempting to transport through the Kurdistan Region from Iran.

Editing by Nadia Riva