ERBIL — During the ninth cabinet of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), more than 11,000 drug suspects were apprehended, including approximately 3,000 traffickers. Authorities also seized about 2,408 kilograms of drugs.

One of the priorities of the ninth KRG cabinet, headed by Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, has been to combat drug trafficking and abuse. Over the past five years, the Drug Enforcement Administration has concentrated its efforts on this issue.

PM Barzani has repeatedly emphasized that the Kurdistan Region is working diligently and extensively to address this dangerous threat and will make every effort to prevent its further spread.

"Drugs not only cause health damage to the user but also inflict social, economic, security, and financial harm across all sectors of society. They are a major cause of weakening human capital," he stated.

According to statistics from the Directorate of Drugs, from the beginning of 2018 to August 1, 2024, more than 11,145 drug suspects were arrested, including 2,857 traffickers. Of these, 5,596 individuals have been sentenced.

During the ninth KRG cabinet, authorities seized 2,407.919 kilograms of drugs and 113,311 pills. The drugs seized include crystal meth, opium, hashish, heroin, marijuana, Jamaica, and cocaine. The types of pills seized include Tramadol, Triphen, Sudafed, Carisoprodol, Diazepam, Clonazepam, Methadone, B2, X, Captagon, and Lasix.

According to the General Directorate of Drugs, 80 percent of drug users in the Kurdistan Region are between 18 and 35 years old, and 10 percent of users are women.

Under Article 26 of the Anti-Narcotics Law passed by the Kurdistan Parliament, those convicted of drug trafficking face life imprisonment and fines ranging from 15 million to 90 million Iraqi dinars.

For drug users, penalties start with imprisonment for one year or more, depending on the type and method of drug use, along with fines not exceeding 15 million Iraqi dinars.