In a special ceremony held today, Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region, Masrour Barzani, laid the foundation stone for a new specialized center dedicated to raising awareness and rehabilitating drug addicts. The project, located in Erbil, is a collaborative effort between the Barzani Charity Foundation and the U.S.-based LDS organization.

During his address at the event, Prime Minister Barzani underscored the critical importance of the initiative in tackling the growing drug problem in the region. He expressed optimism about the timely completion of the center and extended his gratitude to LDS for its decade-long partnership with the Barzani Charity Foundation.

“The drug issue poses a grave threat to societal security and stability,” Barzani stated. He stressed that the government is working intensively to eradicate this dangerous phenomenon, which he said impacts various facets of life in the region.

As part of the government’s strategy, Barzani announced the formation of a high-level committee to combat drug-related issues. This committee will include representatives from multiple ministries and relevant institutions. In addition, a special fund will be established to support the development, rehabilitation, and treatment of drug addicts, with a focus on public awareness campaigns to educate society about the devastating effects of addiction.

Barzani also highlighted the necessity of distinguishing between drug traffickers and those suffering from addiction. “While drug mafias and dealers must face the harshest penalties, we must also show compassion towards those who have fallen victim to addiction and provide them with the tools to rebuild their lives,” he said.

He commended the efforts of security forces, noting their successes in apprehending drug traffickers on a daily basis. However, he expressed concern over the growing prevalence of drug-related incidents, which have become a frequent topic in the media, signaling the severity of the issue.

The Prime Minister urged the federal government to adopt stricter measures against drug dealers, emphasizing the need for robust legal actions to dismantle networks that destroy lives and families. “There can be no tolerance or leniency towards these criminals,” he stressed, calling for a firm and unified response to protect society.

Barzani called for collective action from all sectors of society, including families, educational institutions, academics, intellectuals, religious leaders, and the media, to support the government’s efforts in combating drug addiction. He particularly emphasized the importance of targeting youth with awareness programs and preventive measures.

The new center is expected to play a pivotal role in providing rehabilitation services and educational outreach, marking a significant step in the Kurdistan Regional Government’s comprehensive strategy to combat drug addiction.