KRG destroys batch of illicit drugs on International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking

Photo: Kurdistan 24
Photo: Kurdistan 24

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – The Kurdistan Region’s Anti-Narcotics Directorate destroyed a large batch of illicit substances seized over the past six months on the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

The authorities across the region have since the beginning of 2021 impounded 214 kilograms various banned substances, 556 kilograms drug-laced tobacco, thousands of hallucinogenic pills and 3,100 US dollars in counterfeit bills, the directorate said in a statement.

It added that, during the same period, the security forces had arrested 881 suspects on drug use and trafficking-related charges.

The statement explained that the directorate destroyed 598 kilograms of narcotics that were in possession of suspects whose court cases had been resolved.

The sale and consumption of any narcotics is strictly forbidden in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq.

Kurdish and Iraqi authorities often intercept shipments of controlled substances passing through the country, mainly in the provinces of Basra, Diyala, Erbil, and Sulaimani, most commonly in towns and villages near the borders of Iran and Turkey.

Most drugs are smuggled into the country through its porous border with Iran, on its way to Turkey, Syria, and ultimately Europe and North America.