KRG anti-narcotics directorate seizes over 2 kg heroin, meth as six arrested

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – The anti-narcotics department in Erbil’s Soran district on Wednesday announced the seizure of over two kilograms of heroin and methamphetamine as well as the arrest of six individuals.

The arrest comes at a time when the Kurdistan Region and Iraq are witnessing mounting cases of COVID-19 as well as a dire economic challenge the disease has caused coupled with the political dispute between Baghdad and Erbil over the region’s federal allocation.

“In three different operations conducted over the past 10 days, 2,175 kg of heroin and methamphetamine were seized by Soran district’s anti-narcotics department,” the statement read, following intelligence gathering by the department.

In early March, the Anti-Narcotics Directorate of the Kurdistan Region announced two separate arrests in Erbil province that yielded over eight kilograms of illegal drugs and nearly $4,000 of counterfeit US currency. 

Read More: Erbil security seizes 8 kg narcotics, thousands in counterfeit US currency

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 countries of Iran and Turkey.

The sale and consumption of any non-prescription drugs are strictly forbidden in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq.

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. 

Editing by Karzan Sulaivany