Iraq sees 210% jump in drug seizures

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Iraq’s security forces have confiscated more than six tons of drugs over the past two years, a spokesperson for the interior ministry announced on Saturday. This is a 210 percent jump when compared to the past two decades.

“In terms of anti-drug efforts, we achieved a significant breakthrough in 2023 and 2024… The total amount of drugs seized reached 6,664 kilograms. If we compare this to previous years, from 2003 until 2023, we see a 210 percent increase in seizures,” Miqdad Miri, Iraq's interior ministry spokesperson, announced in a press conference in Baghdad.

“Additionally, we successfully dismantled 569 criminal networks involved in drug-related crimes and smuggling, 39 of which were international networks, during 2023 and 2024,” he added.

Drug dealing and usage in Iraq is rising at an alarming rate, despite strict governmental measures. It is part of a region-wide escalation.
 
In 2023, more than 19,000 people were arrested across Iraq on drug-related charges, according to data from Baghdad. 

Miri said a total of 138 death sentences and 523 life sentences were handed down to drug traffickers over the past two years.

He also said that there has been a “noticeable increase” in the number of international arrest warrants Iraq has sought for drug-related crimes. In the past two years, “74 international arrest warrants were issued, compared to previous years when no such warrants were issued,” he said.

The government has also stepped up its efforts to treat people who are addicted to drugs. Last year, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani ordered rehabilitation centers to be established in all Iraqi provinces, excluding the Kurdistan Region.