The Situation of Drug Trafficking in Iran is 'Shocking'

Alireza Jamshidi, head of the Organization for the Protection of Public Interests, described the situation of drug and medical equipment smuggling in Iran as 'shocking' and an inspector from the Pharmacists Association has called for a complaint against the Iranian Red Crescent to the International Red Cross for its 'illegal' entry into the drug trade. According to a report on Friday, December 25, by the Tasnim news agency, Mr. Jamshidi reported on the 'abundance of smuggled drugs' in society during a joint meeting on 'Reviewing and Analyzing the Fight Against Drug and Medical Equipment Smuggling'. He criticized the lack of oversight and 'appropriate' actions against drug traffickers, calling for a 'revision' of the laws and regulations related to drug smuggling. Jamshidi added that 'violations related to the smuggling of medical equipment are among serious issues and violations that can be shocking at times.' According to the Deputy Minister of Justice, there are currently 'serious problems' in the fight against drug and medical equipment smuggling from 'two perspectives: laws and regulations and the multiplicity of authorities responsible for combating these violations.' Currently, the volume of smuggling goods into Iran exceeds $20 billion, with Jamshidi stating that 'drugs and medical equipment account for a significant portion of this smuggling.' Mehdi Ghadami, head of the anti-smuggling police, also announced in this meeting that 'a high volume of violations related to drug and medical equipment smuggling occurs by provincial distribution companies.' Ghadami identified these companies as 'one of the most important problems in the fight against drug and medical equipment smuggling.' Hafizullah Pourheidar Boroujeni, an inspector from the Pharmacists Association, also reported on December 2 about the 'illegal' entry of the Iranian Red Crescent into the 'drug trade.' He stated, 'Nowhere in the world does the Red Cross enter the field of drug distribution, but currently the Red Crescent is entering drug trade instead of focusing on its main duties according to its charter.' Pourheidar Boroujeni added that a complaint has been filed against this organization with the International Red Cross Convention. He further stated that 'some drug distribution companies view health-oriented drugs with a profit-making perspective,' which has led to an 'unfair' distribution of drugs in deprived areas. This official also criticized the 'monopolistic distribution' of drugs by government sectors, including pharmacy colleges and the Red Crescent. According to reports from November of this year at the International Congress on 'Quality, Safety, Prescription, and Rational Use of Drugs,' Iran is one of the highest drug consumers compared to neighboring countries. As reported by Tasnim news agency, it was stated at this congress that 'Iran's drug budget has increased from $500 million to $3 billion in the past 10 years.' Other reports indicate that Iran ranks among the top 20 countries in the world in terms of drug consumption and holds the second position in Asia after China. These reports also add that '20% of the drugs consumed in Iran are used arbitrarily, and 40% of the Iranian population uses drugs arbitrarily.' It is reported that 'each Iranian consumes drugs 339 times a year, which is four times the global standard.'