ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - An individual died during emergency transport to a hospital in Iraq's Najaf province after allegedly swallowing packets of crystal methamphetamine while in police custody, Iraqi authorities said on Saturday.
The man, whose identity has not been disclosed, initially presented himself at al-Najaf Teaching Hospital on June 25, where medical staff suspected drug use. Authorities were immediately notified through the hotline 911, and a specialized unit from the Drug Affairs Department arrived to conduct preliminary examinations, said General Directorate of Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances Affairs in a statement.
Testing confirmed the presence of narcotic substances, and the individual was transferred to the directorate's headquarters for questioning. There, he reportedly admitted to swallowing approximately 40 grams of crystal methamphetamine distributed across four bags, which he claimed he intended to retrieve later.
"An investigating judge issued a detention order in accordance with the law following the standard legal procedures," the directorate said in its statement, adding that all actions taken were properly documented and authorized by competent judicial authorities.
Hours after his detention, the man experienced severe abdominal pain and was rushed back to the hospital. Medical staff treated him, and doctors authorized his discharge. However, his condition deteriorated the following day, and he was again urgently transferred to the hospital—where he died during transport.
The incident has triggered a formal investigation. A specialized committee has been formed to examine all circumstances surrounding the death and determine whether any official negligence occurred.
The statement also noted that the deceased had family members with histories of drug trafficking convictions. His father received an eight-year sentence, his brother was sentenced to life imprisonment, and his uncle was sentenced to death for international drug trafficking charges.
