Peregraf- Ammar Aziz
Duhok is experiencing a substantial escalation in drug trafficking and usage. The number of reported cases has surged significantly, with law enforcement agencies seizing numerous kilograms of narcotics on a monthly basis.
Peregraf’s follow-ups revealed that over 1,000 drug-related incidents were documented in Duhok last year, a stark contrast to the slightly over 50 cases recorded annually a decade ago, marking a 19-fold increase, or 1,900%.
"The prevalence of drug use has reached concerning levels. In 2010, we recorded only 50 cases. By 2023, this number has soared to 1,000, including 20 to 25 women and girls. If this trend continues, we might see the number of female users rise to 1,000 within the next 20 years," stated Shvan Mohammed, head of the legal department at the Directorate of Drug Enforcement in Duhok. He made these remarks during an awareness campaign organized by NGOs to highlight the dangers of drug abuse.
Data collected by Peregraf indicates that last year, the majority of individuals prosecuted in Duhok were drug users.
Alarming Patterns Among Users
Statistics obtained by Peregraf reveal that a significant number of individuals prosecuted in Duhok courts last year were drug users. A field study conducted in 2023 by the Research Center at the College of Law and Politics at Duhok University surveyed 173 users, yielding concerning results:
- 49% of users' families were unaware of their addiction.
- 9% of families were aware and accepting of the situation.
- 7% displayed indifference towards the addiction.
- 32% rejected the users upon learning of their drug use.
Dr. Ranjbar Jamil, a lecturer at Duhok University’s College of Law and Politics, provided insights on the study's findings to Peregraf. He stated, "The research indicated that the majority of drug users fell within the age range of 16 to 39, with only two or three cases involving individuals over the age of 40."
The issue of drug use transcends all societal segments. Dr. Jamil emphasized that socioeconomic status is not the primary factor influencing drug use. "Environmental factors and unemployment are the main drivers. Some participants reported initiating drug use out of curiosity," he explained. He also noted that a considerable number of drug users displayed violent tendencies towards themselves and others, "with some engaging in additional criminal activities such as theft, kidnapping, and even offenses related to homosexuality."
Follow-up reports from Peregraf indicate that arrests of drug dealers and users are occurring nearly every week, frequently involving substantial amounts of narcotics. Recent actions taken by the Directorate of Drug Enforcement include:
- November 18: Three individuals apprehended with 2.5 kilograms of heroin, captagon pills, and marijuana intended for distribution in Erbil and Duhok.
- October 31: 43 dealers arrested across Duhok, Zakho, Soran, and Haji Omeran, resulting in the seizure of 16 kilograms of various drugs.
- September: Two traders detained with 78 kilograms of drugs.
- August: 85 kilograms of crystal meth confiscated from three traders.
- July: A suspect apprehended with 35 kilograms of crystal meth.
Rovin Khalil, an expert in social affairs, underscored the importance of family and educational awareness in the fight against drug use. He stated, "The absence of parental and educational supervision contributes to the youth's engagement in drug use," urging parents to be vigilant regarding their children's behavior.
Marwan Mikail, a teacher in Duhok, pointed out the widespread use of vaping among students as a potential precursor to drug use. "On a daily basis, 25 to 30 vapes are taken from students. This trend, fueled by imitation, could lead to drug use if families do not take action," he cautioned, advocating for more stringent monitoring within schools.
Duhok province, which shares borders with Turkey and Syria, has a population exceeding 1.3 million residents. It features two official border crossings, seven districts, and 31 sub-districts. Its strategic geographic position renders it particularly susceptible to drug trafficking activities.
Rovin Khalil asserts that the most effective approach to combat this issue is through ongoing awareness campaigns utilizing media and social platforms. He emphasized that awareness initiatives should not be limited to specific events but should be continuous and comprehensive.
The Law on Combating Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, enacted in the Kurdistan Region in 2020, establishes stringent penalties for drug traffickers and users, including fines, life imprisonment, and potentially the death penalty. Nevertheless, the law also allows drug users to seek treatment without facing criminal repercussions if they voluntarily enter specialized rehabilitation facilities.
Although final statistics for 2024 are not yet available, data from the Directorate of Drug Enforcement in Duhok reveals that 580 individuals were apprehended from January to April, with 328 arrests related to drug trafficking. From 2019 to mid-2022, over 5,400 individuals were detained for drug-related offenses in the Kurdistan Region, during which more than 1,200 kilograms of drugs and 60,000 packets of narcotics were confiscated, as reported by the Kurdistan Regional Government’s official website.