Erbil, Kurdistan Region – The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has launched a new anti-drug awareness campaign in Erbil under the slogan “A drug user is sick, not a criminal,” emphasizing a dual approach of prevention and rehabilitation.

Dindar Zebari, the KRG’s coordinator for international advocacy, announced the campaign on Sunday, revealing that 4,500 individuals have been arrested in the Kurdistan Region for drug-related offenses.

Speaking at the campaign’s launch, Zebari stressed that the Kurdistan Region is part of an international anti-drug coalition, including the U.S., European nations, and several Arab countries.

“Serious steps have been taken to combat drugs in Kurdistan, involving all relevant KRG institutions,” Zebari said.

Of those arrested, 1,564 have been sentenced and are serving time in reformatories, including 900 convicted traffickers. “These individuals are not only from Kurdistan but also from central and southern Iraq, as well as neighboring countries,” he added.

Zebari also highlighted the government’s focus on rehabilitation, noting that 700 addicts received treatment at KRG rehabilitation centers last year. Additionally, a new treatment facility is under construction after Prime Minister Masrour Barzani laid its foundation stone.

The campaign aims to reduce drug abuse through public awareness, expanded treatment programs, and stricter law enforcement, while promoting addiction as a health issue rather than solely a criminal offense.