Kurdistan Region's Anti-Narcotics Directorate Arrests 35 Drug Traffickers in Major Operation

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – In a major breakthrough in the fight against drug trafficking, the Kurdistan Region's Directorate of Anti-Narcotics announced the arrest of 35 individuals involved in illicit drug trade.

The arrests, disclosed in an official statement on Sunday, mark a significant success in the region’s ongoing crackdown on narcotics-related crimes.

According to the directorate, the operation was the result of weeks of meticulous intelligence gathering and thorough investigative work, carried out under proper judicial authorization from security investigation authorities.

The crackdown targeted trafficking networks operating in the cities of Erbil and Duhok, leading to the apprehension of several foreign nationals linked to international drug syndicates. Authorities highlighted the sophisticated nature of the operation, which required inter-agency coordination to dismantle the networks involved in the drug trade.

Security forces confiscated substantial quantities of illicit substances, including 49 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine and 2 kilograms of heroin.

These seizures represent a significant disruption to the narcotics trade in the region, reinforcing the authorities' commitment to curbing the flow of drugs into and through Kurdistan. The operation was carried out in collaboration with the Checkpoint Security Directorate and the Surveillance and Follow-up Directorate, underscoring the effectiveness of multi-agency coordination in tackling organized crime.

The arrested individuals are now facing legal proceedings, with cases filed against them under Kurdistan Region’s stringent laws governing narcotics and psychotropic substances. Officials confirmed that all suspects will be prosecuted in accordance with the established anti-narcotics legislation, ensuring they are held accountable for their actions.

The directorate reaffirmed its unwavering dedication to eradicating drug-related activities, emphasizing that further operations will continue as part of an ongoing strategy to combat drug trafficking in the region.

This latest success highlights the Kurdistan Region’s intensified efforts to dismantle criminal networks involved in narcotics distribution, particularly those with international ties.

Authorities continue to stress the importance of community cooperation and intelligence-sharing in the fight against drug-related crimes, reaffirming their commitment to safeguarding public health and security.

The operation serves as a clear message to traffickers that Kurdistan remains steadfast in its mission to combat drug smuggling and ensure the rule of law prevails.