Drug-Related Arrests in Erbil and Duhok Declined in First Half of 2026, Authorities Say

Peregraf — Statistics released by the General Directorate for Combating Narcotics in Erbil and Duhok show that authorities arrested 744 suspects during the first half of 2026, including 482 alleged drug traffickers and 262 drug users.

According to the data, security forces seized 218.953 kilograms of narcotics and 1,897 narcotic pills between Jan. 1 and June 26, 2026.

Drug-Related Arrests

According to the General Directorate for Combating Narcotics in Erbil and Duhok, authorities arrested 2,482 people on drug-related charges in 2023, including 1,412 drug users and 1,070 alleged traffickers. Security forces seized 2,825.378 kilograms of narcotics and 6,256 sheets and four narcotic pills.

In 2024, authorities arrested 1,568 suspects, comprising 737 users and 831 alleged traffickers, while confiscating 511.736 kilograms of narcotics and 30,240 narcotic pills.

In 2025, the number of arrests rose to 1,708, including 1,034 users and 674 alleged traffickers. During the year, authorities seized 922.963 kilograms of narcotics and 12,194 narcotic pills.

Between Jan. 1 and June 26, 2026, authorities arrested 744 suspects, including 262 drug users and 482 alleged traffickers, and confiscated 218.953 kilograms of narcotics and 1,897 narcotic pills.

Age Distribution of Those Arrested in 2025

Authorities said most people arrested on drug-related charges in 2025 were between 18 and 40 years old.

• Under 18: 1%

• 18–30 years: 46%

• 30–40 years: 36%

• 40–50 years: 13%

• 50–60 years: 4%

Women accounted for 4% of all those arrested across all age groups.