KRG's War on Drugs: Over 11,000 arrests, millions of kilograms seized in five years
Over the past five years, the Kurdistan Region’s Directorate General of Combatting Narcotics has played a critical role in this effort, resulting in the arrest of more than 11,000 drug suspects and the seizure of nearly two and a half million kilograms of illegal substances.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - Under the leadership of Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, the ninth cabinet of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has made significant strides in its campaign against drug trafficking and abuse.
Over the past five years, the Kurdistan Region’s Directorate General of Combatting Narcotics has played a critical role in this effort, resulting in the arrest of more than 11,000 drug suspects and the seizure of nearly two and a half million kilograms of illegal substances.
Prime Minister Barzani has consistently emphasized the seriousness with which his government approaches the drug issue, stating, “The Kurdistan Regional Government is working very seriously and extensively to eradicate and fight this dangerous threat and will make every effort to prevent its further spread.”
He further highlighted the wide-ranging impacts of drug abuse, noting that it not only harms the health of users but also causes significant social, economic, and security damage across all spheres of society, undermining human capital.
According to the Directorate General of Combatting Narcotics, from the beginning of 2018 until August 2024, a total of 11,145 drug suspects were arrested, with 2,857 identified as traffickers. Among these, 5,596 individuals have been convicted and punished.
During the current term of the ninth cabinet, authorities have seized 2,407,914 kilograms of drugs and 113,311 pills. The confiscated drugs include crystal meth, opium, hashish, heroin, marijuana, Jamaica, and cocaine.
Additionally, the pills seized consist of substances such as tramadol, Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed), Carisoprodol (Somadril), Valium (Diazepam), Klonopin (clonazepam), Methadone, B2, X, and Captagon.
The detailed yearly statistics from the Directorate General of Combatting Narcotics reveal a steady increase in arrests and drug seizures:
- 2018: 1,148 suspects arrested, 205 traffickers, 97 convictions; 414,553 kilograms of drugs and 17,281 pills seized.
- 2019: 1,182 suspects arrested, 212 traffickers, 530 convictions; 153,912 kilograms of drugs and 9,215 sheets of pills seized.
- 2020: 1,295 suspects arrested, 235 traffickers, 916 convictions; 555,749 kilograms of drugs and 2,734 sheets of pills seized.
- 2021: 1,943 suspects arrested, 302 traffickers, 733 convictions; 374,729 kilograms of drugs and 47,378 pills seized.
- 2022: 2,192 suspects arrested, 304 traffickers, 1,266 convictions; 232,493 kilograms of drugs and 1,657 sheets and 937,250 kilograms of pills seized.
- 2023: 2,482 suspects arrested, 1,070 traffickers, 1,116 convictions; 482,124 kilograms of drugs and 6,056 sheets and 2,343,254 kilograms of pills seized.
- 2024 (Jan-Aug): 1,003 suspects arrested, 529 traffickers, 938 convictions; 194,359 kilograms of drugs and 28,990 sheets of pills seized.
The majority of drug users in the Kurdistan Region are young, with 80 percent of users between the ages of 18 and 35, and 10 percent being women.
The KRG’s Anti-Narcotics Law, passed by the Kurdistan Parliament, imposes severe penalties for drug-related offenses.
Traffickers can face life imprisonment and fines ranging from 15 million to 90 million Iraqi dinars. Drug users, depending on the type and method of use, may be sentenced to at least one year in prison and fined up to 15 million Iraqi dinars.
This comprehensive approach by the KRG highlights its unwavering commitment to combatting the scourge of drugs and protecting the well-being of its citizens.
Further reporting done by Kurdistan24 correspondent Mateen Kareem Khan
