Calls grow for stricter measures against drug use and trafficking in Kurdistan Region

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — Amid rising concerns over drug use and trafficking, human rights activists and civil society organizations in the Kurdistan Region are urging the government to adopt tougher laws to penalize drug manufacturers and traffickers.

Sabir Abdullah, head of the Human Rights Office in Sulaimani, highlighted the scale of the issue in an interview with Kurdistan24. "Preliminary statistics for 2024 show a total of 687 arrests related to drug offenses in the last ten months," Abdullah said. "Of those, 360 individuals were arrested for drug trafficking, both as part of gangs and as independent dealers."

The data also revealed 327 cases of drug users and addicts, though Abdullah believes the true number is higher. "This number is significant, but even more important than statistics is the need to spread awareness," he emphasized.

Hazhar Baban, Director of the Aran Organization, voiced alarm over reports of drug production facilities within the Kurdistan Region. "Unfortunately, drug factories have been discovered here, and while we may not accuse specific political parties, it is clear there are major forces involved," Baban said. "This is incredibly dangerous."

The increase in drug trafficking and addiction has raised urgent concerns in Sulaimani province, particularly with reports of a drug production facility in Darbandikhan district. In response, advocates are calling on the Kurdistan Regional Government’s tenth cabinet to prioritize combating drug manufacturing and trafficking as part of a broader strategy to ensure public safety.