Photo: Rudaw
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The Kurdistan Region has become a major hub of narcotics given the sharp increase in the demand for drugs, with Iran the main source of drug imports into the Region from drugs smuggled across borders in Basra and Sulaimani provinces.
In 2021, 1,943 people were arrested on drug-related charges, including dealing, using, and promoting substance use, according to the Kurdistan Region’s Anti-narcotics Department.
Last year, authorities in the Kurdistan Region warned that drug use and trafficking were on the rise.
The Region lacks rehabilitation centres for drug addicts, as well as resources to raise awareness about the repercussions of drug use. Most drug consumers end up arrested rather than rehabilitated.
“I got addicted to substances because of my friends,” one anonymous drug user told Rudaw. “The substance was crystal methamphetamine. I did it with my friends and I got used to it for a long period of time. The substance was addictive and I could not quit the drug.”
Kirkuk has become a major gateway for transporting narcotics from federal Iraq into the Kurdistan Region. According to Kirkuk police, 23 people have been arrested over the past week for drug use.
Iraq’s National Security Service announced on Thursday the arrest of two drug dealers in possession of 6 kg of crystal, by the security service of Basra Governorate in coordination with Najaf security forces.
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