Massive Fire Hits Drug Rehabilitation Centre in Iran, Kills 32

Iran – A massive fire incident hit a drug rehabilitation facility in Northern Iran's Gilan Province has caused 32 people killed, according to state media. 

"In addition, 16 others were also injured in the incident and transferred to a local hospital," the Deputy governor of Gilan, Mohammad Jalai said, as quoted IRNA News Agency on Friday.  

The incident happened at 5:45 am local time Friday at a drug rehabilitation center in Langerood, a mountainous city in Gilan, 340 kilometers (211 miles) from the capital Tehran.

Some sections of Iranian media, citing the preliminary investigation, said a heater at the rehabilitation center caused the fire that rapidly engulfed the entire center.

To combat the menace of drug addiction, Iran has built a strong counter-narcotics force in recent years and has even executed people found involved in drug trafficking.

However, the addiction to drugs within Iran, according to experts, remains a big challenge for the government.

"Drug trafficking is a major issue due to Iran's geographic location, nestled between Afghanistan and Europe, but the consumption of drugs by Iranian youth also points to a major challenge in counter-narcotics campaign," Behrouz Hashemi, a counter-narcotics activist said to Anadolu.