As part of its commitment to academic excellence and equipping students with practical skills, the Law Department at Cihan University-Sulaimaniya continued its “Legal Awareness Week” programme. In coordination with the “Science Zakat Foundation,” the department hosted a comprehensive panel discussion on Monday, 24th November 2025, exploring the complex issue of drug abuse from multiple professional perspectives.
The panel, titled “Combating Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances: Legal Procedures and Obstacles,” brought together leading experts to shed light on the dangers of drugs through four key dimensions:
The Legal Perspective
Judge Peshwan Tahir Muhammad Aminfrom the Sulaimaniya Asayish Investigation Court opened the discussion. In his session, “A Reading into the Law on Combating Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances in the Kurdistan Region-Iraq, No. 1 of 2020,” he provided a detailed analysis of the legal framework. He explained the significant changes introduced by the new law, particularly the critical distinction in penalties between drug dealers and users, and walked attendees through the legal procedures governing trials.
The Medical and Psychological Impact
Focusing on the human cost,Prof. Dr. Karim Sharif Qarachata’ni, a University Professor and Director of the Psychological Centre at Cihan University-Sulaimaniya, presented on “Drug Addiction: Causes and Negative Effects.” He explored the psychological and environmental factors that can lead to addiction and offered a clear picture of the devastating impact these substances have on an individual’s brain and physical health.
The Science of Evidence: Forensic Medicine
Dr. Barzan Muhammad Ali Dartash,Director of the Sulaimaniya Forensic Medicine Institute, then took the floor. His presentation, “Introduction to Narcotics and Laboratory Analyses for Addicts,” demystified the scientific side of law enforcement. He explained how drug testing is carried out, how specific substances are identified, and how these laboratory results serve as crucial forensic evidence in a court of law.
The Security and Enforcement Effort
The final perspective came from the front lines,presented by Colonel Karzan Sherko, Spokesperson for the Kurdistan Region Asayish Agency. Under the title “Duties and Operations of the General Directorate of Anti-Narcotics,” he detailed the continuous, on-the-ground efforts of the Asayish forces to prevent the spread of narcotics. He also spoke candidly about the real-world obstacles and challenges faced in the ongoing fight against drug trafficking and abuse.
The panel was skilfully moderated by Assist. Prof. Dr. Nuri Hama Saeed Haidar, a Lecturer in the Law Department and Director of the Science Zakat Foundation.
Following the formal presentations, the event concluded with a lively and engaging question-and-answer session allowing students and attendees to interact directly with the panelists.