Over 50 Kilograms of Crystal Seized, Three Suspected Drug Dealers Arrested

In a successful joint operation, Iraqi and Kurdish anti-narcotic forces announced the dismantling of a dangerous international drug-trafficking network in Sulaimani, resulting in the arrest of three suspected drug dealers and the seizure of 51 kilograms of crystal.

The operation, based on two weeks of intelligence gathering, active follow-up, and information exchange, was lauded by Ahmed al-Zirgani, head of the Iraqi Interior Ministry’s Directorate-General for Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Affairs. Speaking at a joint press conference in Sulaimani, Zirgani praised the ongoing coordination between Iraqi and Kurdistan Region security forces to combat the spread of drugs. Notably, he highlighted that the amount of narcotics seized in 2023 alone nearly equals the overall amount confiscated over the previous ten years.

Zirgani emphasized the need for enhanced cooperation between Iraq and other regional states to more effectively combat the spread of narcotics. The joint efforts have been pivotal in addressing the surge in drug-related activities, with over 1,000 suspects arrested across the Kurdistan Region this year alone, leading to the confiscation of more than 300 kilograms of narcotics, according to official data.

Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, addressing a conference on combating the drug trade last month, reaffirmed the Region's commitment to eradicating and combating the threat of drugs. He urged both the Kurdish and international communities to cooperate with Erbil in eliminating the source of what he described as an "endemic" problem.

In Iraq, the fight against drug trade and use has seen significant progress, with over 16,000 suspects arrested and more than 3.5 tons of narcotics and 15 tons of psychotropic pills seized since the beginning of 2023. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani, demonstrating the government's commitment, ordered the establishment of rehabilitation centers in all Iraqi provinces, excluding the Kurdistan Region, to combat the growing drug trade and use on par with the country's efforts against terrorism.