Erbil authorities arrest three in major drug bust

ERBIL — The Erbil Directorate of Narcotics Control has arrested three individuals linked to a “dangerous gang” involved in a significant drug trafficking operation, seizing 85 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine. The arrests are part of a broader crackdown on the rising presence of narcotics in the Kurdistan Region.

According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Directorate, which is part of the Kurdistan Security Council, the suspects were allegedly capable of distributing over 100 kilograms of narcotics monthly across Erbil, Duhok, and other cities. The investigation, which lasted a week, uncovered that the gang operated from a farmhouse near Erbil.

“The suspects smuggled the drugs from the Qaladze district in Sulaymaniyah to their hideout at the farmhouse, from there, they distributed the narcotics to various locations,” the statement detailed.

The operation highlights growing concerns about narcotics in the region. KRG Prime Minister Masrour Barzani emphasized the severity of the drug threat on Oct. 15, 2023, comparing the dangers posed by psychoactive drugs to those of terrorism. “Mafias and criminal traders have made the Kurdistan Region a target for their nefarious plans, exploiting our region’s geography as a gateway to smuggle drugs to other areas,” Barzani stated, underscoring the need for vigorous action against these networks.

From the start of the year until April 30, 2024, the Directorate has arrested 580 suspects involved in narcotics, with 328 implicated in the trade, purchase, and sale of drugs.

On Aug. 13, the Kurdistan Region Security Agency reported a significant increase in drug trafficking and usage within the Sulaymaniyah and Halabja provinces, leading to the arrest of 638 individuals this year.

In response to the escalating crisis, the Iraqi Ministry of Interior has intensified legal actions against drug dealers. “The efforts to combat drug trafficking, which threatens community security, have been substantial,” said Muqdad Miri, the ministry’s spokesperson. Since the beginning of the year, the ministry has issued 140 death sentences and 500 life sentences to those involved in the drug trade.

Iraq remains a transit route for drugs originating from Iran and Pakistan destined for Gulf states, with a growing market for narcotics such as crystal meth from Afghanistan and Iran, and Captagon pills from Syria.