The arrested included 159 Iraq and 32 foreigners. They were detained across four locations referred to as “roulette and liquor halls” by the ministry.
The operation was conducted under the supervision of Interior Minister Abdul Amir al-Shammari, the ministry's statement added.
Footage released by the ministry shows security guards standing over the detainees, some of whom appear to be quite young, inside a hall with liquor bottles, slot machines, and roulette and poker tables.
Alcohol consumption and gambling are considered serious sins in Islam and therefore are frowned upon by Iraq’s Muslim majority population. Gambling halls are also often used as hubs for narcotics and prostitution.
In 2016, Iraq’s parliament passed a law prohibiting the import, sale, and manufacture of all alcoholic beverages. Enforcement of the controversial law only began earlier this year and the legislation is facing numerous legal challenges. The ban sparked concern among minority groups, as the majority of shops selling alcohol are owned by Christians and Yazidis.
