An Interview with Colonel Taherzadeh, the Head of the Drug Control Police

An Interview with Colonel Taherzade, the Head of the Drug Control Police in The National Conference of Addiction Treatment Specialists, Isfahan Province, January 2025

• Interviewer: Greetings and respect to our viewers. We are honored to be with Colonel Taherzadeh, the Head of the Drug Control Police in Isfahan. Colonel, as you have been a long-standing supporter and one of the main advocates of Congress 60, for our first question, could you kindly share your thoughts on the activities of Congress 60 in recent years?

Colonel Taherzadeh: In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Allow me to share that I have had the honor of wearing this uniform for twenty years, and my duty as a police officer is to combat narcotics and their distribution in my country. Alongside this inherent responsibility, whenever I take action, I see a group of individuals known as drug users who inadvertently help sustain the strength of drug trafficking networks. This has always led me to reflect: if these individuals could be removed from this cycle and no longer serve as daily customers for drug cartels, what a tremendous service that would be.

That’s why we wholeheartedly support everyone who carries out addiction treatment in a principled manner, rescuing individuals from the grip of addiction and separating them from the influence of drug cartels and other destructive forces. I have had the honor of becoming acquainted with Congress 60 since 2005 or 2006 when they began their efforts in Isfahan. Individuals like Mr. Maftoon, with immense effort and difficulty, worked alongside Mr. Dezhakam to bring this blessing to Isfahan. I recall that they started with just three or four people in a park. Despite all the hardships, this small sapling grew over time into a strong, lush tree from which thousands of people in my province now benefit.
This service is truly admirable and worthy of the highest respect. The individuals who selflessly dedicate themselves day and night, helping their companions without any expectation in return, have earned my deepest admiration as a police officer. That’s why I’ve always sought to align myself with their efforts and provide support. With God's grace, I hope to continue offering better services to the people and my community and to contribute to solving this immense, complex human challenge through this principled, scientific, and Iranian approach.

• Interviewer: Thank you. Could you please share your thoughts about the first addiction conference taking place in the city of Isfahan?

Colonel Taherzadeh: This is a very positive and welcome event. While conferences like this may occur frequently, those working in the field of addiction need to continually update their knowledge, engage in collaborative thinking, and exchange information. Unfortunately, this doesn’t happen as often as it should. We often see people involved in addiction treatment who lack a comprehensive understanding of addiction as it truly is. Their knowledge is outdated, and while academic knowledge has its place, as you are well aware, it alone is insufficient to tackle addiction.

The reality of addiction must be revealed and understood as it truly exists, as reflected in Congress 60's motto. This conference in Isfahan is a source of pride, and I feel honored to have been given the opportunity to speak for a few minutes during this event. Bringing together individuals who hold the keys to effective treatment is a wonderful thing if they align their efforts, share a common vision, and stay updated with the latest knowledge.

• Interviewer: Very well, for the last question; explain the activities of the police against drug trafficking in the city of Isfahan and how we can help them in this regard?

Colonel Taherzadeh: You see, in the city of Isfahan, we have a population of about 2.2 to 2.3 million, and relative to our population, we have issues with addiction. We fight this battle on three fronts:
The first is combatting the supply of drugs, which is the responsibility of the police. Our officers risk their lives and are martyred to prevent drugs from entering and being distributed in our society. This is the branch that legally falls under the police’s duty.

Another one is treating addiction, ensuring that individuals who have fallen into drug use are safely rehabilitated and transformed into good, reputable citizens who can continue their lives and contribute to society. This is certainly in the capable hands of people like you.
 

And the most important one is preventing addiction. Alongside the sacrifice of our officers and your tireless efforts in treatment, we must also empower the healthy youth of our country to prevent them from turning to drugs. This is a significant task that must be undertaken by all of us. Certainly, with your capabilities, you can also engage in prevention efforts and support our healthy society.

• Interviewer: Thank you very much. On behalf of myself and all my colleagues at Congress 60, I sincerely appreciate the efforts of you and your colleagues in the Anti-Narcotics Police. Thank you for taking the time.

Colonel Taherzadeh: Please send my heartfelt greetings to Mr. Dezhakam.

• Interviewer: Certainly, thank you.

Typed by: Companion Fatemeh, Salman Farsi Branch
Translated by: Companion Sahar
Revised by: Companion Marjan