ERBIL — Security officials report a significant drop in drug trafficking into Iraq, especially Captagon pills, following the closure of the Iraq-Syria border and the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime.  

Roughly 90 percent of illicit drugs previously entered Iraq through Syria, according to Iraqi security authorities. “Since the fall of Assad's regime and the consequent border closures, drug trafficking has noticeably decreased,” Saad Ghazi, head of the Security Committee of Anbar Provincial Council, told Kurdistan 24. He noted the daily influx has reduced from thousands of pills to hundreds but has not entirely stopped.  

In 2024, Iraq’s Ministry of Interior reported seizing nearly six tons of illicit drugs and detaining 14,000 traffickers nationwide. However, concerns remain over potential alternate trafficking routes.  

Civil activist Ismail Ahmed emphasized the importance of ongoing efforts, citing media reports of raids on drug production facilities in Syria as a factor in reducing drug availability in Iraq. “Security forces have played a vital role in fighting this phenomenon, which poses a direct threat to our society,” he said.  

The al-Qaim border crossing closure has been particularly effective in limiting narcotics smuggling, according to officials. Captagon, a synthetic amphetamine, has been a major concern due to its widespread abuse in the region.  

Iraq’s government enforces strict penalties for drug smuggling and usage, including capital punishment and life imprisonment. The Ministry of Interior continues to warn of severe consequences for involvement in drug-related crimes as part of its comprehensive anti-narcotics strategy.