Iraq Among Top Global Hotspots for Narcotic Proliferation, Says Human Rights Commission
Iraq faces drug crisis with 3 tons seized in 2025. Crystal meth from & Captagon dominate. Over 3,000 arrests made. Authorities call for urgent action against trafficking networks.
By Ahora Qadi
Erbil (Kurdistan24) — The Iraqi Human Rights Commission has issued a grave warning about the alarming rise in the spread of narcotics across the country, declaring Iraq as one of the leading hotspots globally for drug proliferation—most notably crystal meth from Iran and Captagon from Syria.
Unprecedented Drug Seizures Raise Red Flags
According to updated figures provided by the Iraqi Ministry of Interior, security forces have confiscated approximately three tons of illicit narcotics in 2025 alone, including heroin, methamphetamine (crystal), and Captagon tablets. These confiscations place Iraq among the top three countries globally confronting the trafficking and abuse of psychotropic substances, based on recent Interpol rankings.
The report reveals that over 3,000 drug-related arrests have been made so far this year, with more than 973 individuals sentenced for trafficking or possession. Notably, in southern Iraq, security operations recently seized nearly 40 kilograms of narcotics, including substances bound for both local distribution and international trafficking networks.
Crystal and Captagon: The Leading Threats
The Human Rights Commission confirmed that the most prevalent substances circulating in Iraq are crystal meth, predominantly trafficked from Iran, and Captagon, smuggled across the porous border from Syria. Other dangerous narcotics, including hashish, marijuana, and heroin, also continue to endanger Iraqi society and fuel crime.
A Call for Regional Coordination and Round-the-Clock Vigilance
The Ministry of Interior underscored the need for sustained and intensive day-and-night operations to confront the flow of drugs and to thwart the activities of traffickers and dealers. “Combatting drug abuse and trafficking requires unrelenting vigilance,” the ministry declared, stressing the importance of maintaining pressure on criminal organizations at both local and international levels.
Drug Trade: A Growing Social Crisis
As Iraq continues to grapple with political and economic recovery, the spread of narcotics presents a new and insidious challenge. The Commission warns that drug addiction and trafficking are exacerbating societal instability, particularly among youth, and calls for more comprehensive public health and education programs to stem the tide of substance abuse.
