Iraq dismantles foreign-linked network in drug bust
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Iraq’s interior ministry on Thursday said it dismantled an internationally-linked drug network in the southern Basra and Dhi Qar provinces and seized over 20 kilograms of crystal meth, as the country continues to fight the use of narcotics.
Iraqi security forces “were able to seize 22 kilograms of crystal narcotic substances, arrest 7 drug traffickers, and dismantle their local networks with international connection,” said a statement from the interior ministry.
The rate of drug addicts and dealers has been on an alarming rise in Iraq in recent years, despite strict measures taken by the Iraqi government to curb the phenomenon.
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani has ordered the establishment of rehabilitation centers in all Iraqi provinces, excluding the Kurdistan Region, as part of his cabinet’s commitment to combat growing drug trade and use as seriously as the country fights terrorism.
In late October, Iraqi security forces busted two “dangerous” drug trafficking networks in Dhi Qar.
Over 16,000 people have been arrested on drug-related charges in Iraq since the start of 2023 and more than 3.5 tons of narcotics and 15 tons of psychotropic pills have been seized, according to the General Directorate of Narcotics Control in Iraq’s Ministry of Interior.
Iraqi security forces “were able to seize 22 kilograms of crystal narcotic substances, arrest 7 drug traffickers, and dismantle their local networks with international connection,” said a statement from the interior ministry.
The rate of drug addicts and dealers has been on an alarming rise in Iraq in recent years, despite strict measures taken by the Iraqi government to curb the phenomenon.
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani has ordered the establishment of rehabilitation centers in all Iraqi provinces, excluding the Kurdistan Region, as part of his cabinet’s commitment to combat growing drug trade and use as seriously as the country fights terrorism.
In late October, Iraqi security forces busted two “dangerous” drug trafficking networks in Dhi Qar.
Over 16,000 people have been arrested on drug-related charges in Iraq since the start of 2023 and more than 3.5 tons of narcotics and 15 tons of psychotropic pills have been seized, according to the General Directorate of Narcotics Control in Iraq’s Ministry of Interior.