In a significant address at an international conference on drug prevention held in Erbil, Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani emphasized the urgent need for collective action to combat the growing drug problem that has been plaguing the region. The conference, organized by the International Recommendations Office, brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including government officials, diplomats, and international representatives.

Prime Minister Masrour Barzani highlighted the alarming rise in drug trafficking and abuse rates within the Kurdistan Region, stating that it poses a grave threat to the local community. He underscored the Kurdistan Regional Government's dedicated efforts to confront this issue head-on and assured that it will continue to take necessary measures to prevent its further spread.

One pivotal step in the fight against drugs, according to Prime Minister Barzani, is the Anti-Drug and Psychotropic Substances Law enacted in 2020. He stressed the importance of coordinated efforts among all relevant authorities to ensure the effective implementation of this law. The Prime Minister also made it clear that the drug problem is a global issue that affects societies worldwide, emphasizing that both Iraq and the Kurdistan Region are not immune to its consequences.

In his address, Prime Minister Masrour Barzani pointed out that the Kurdistan Region faces multifaceted threats aimed at destabilizing it, with drugs being one of these threats. These substances are being used both openly and covertly to harm the community and jeopardize the health and well-being of its youth. He underscored the vital importance of combating this threat with the same intensity as terrorism, as drugs are no less perilous.

The Prime Minister also shed light on the exploitation of the Kurdistan Region's geographical location by drug cartels and traffickers who use it as a route for smuggling drugs to other regions. This illicit activity has contributed to an alarming increase in the number of drug addicts within the region. Barzani called for unified efforts from all relevant institutions to combat these criminal networks effectively.

Prime Minister Masrour Barzani conveyed that the Kurdistan Regional Government has intensified its efforts to apprehend drug traffickers and urged all segments of society to cooperate with the authorities to eradicate this menace. He emphasized that the responsibility for combatting drugs lies not only with the government but with every member of society, including parents, educators, and the media.

To confront this critical issue, the Kurdistan Region's government has established a high-level committee for drug prevention, consisting of several ministries and relevant entities. Additionally, a fund for rehabilitating and treating drug addicts has been created as part of their continuous efforts to combat this pressing problem.

The Prime Minister concluded his address by stressing the need for international cooperation and support, particularly in terms of advice and logistical assistance in line with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime's strategy. This collaboration will extend to developing the capabilities of judges and investigators in the Kurdistan Region, with the aim of reducing the societal risks associated with drug abuse.

The conference provided a platform for international collaboration in the fight against drug abuse, with the Kurdistan Region committed to taking significant steps in this ongoing battle.