71 grams of marijuana found
Iraqi authorities arrest six in Baghdad drug trafficking operation
BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Ministry of Interior announced Friday the arrest of six individuals on suspicion of involvement in drug trafficking, use, and promotion in Baghdad.
“Through a well-planned ambush and a swift, precise joint operation, a force from the 3rd Brigade of the 1st Division of the Federal Police, along with intelligence units and a detachment from the Anti-Narcotics Office, managed to apprehend a gang of six suspects wanted by the judiciary,” the ministry said in a statement.
The operation included surrounding the suspects’ location and engaging in a shootout, leading to their capture.
Authorities seized 71 grams of marijuana, an electronic scale, and a Chevrolet vehicle during the arrest.
The suspects, along with the confiscated items, have been referred to the relevant authorities.
In 2023, Iraqi authorities arrested 144 international drug traffickers. Last year’s raids resulted in the confiscation of four tons of narcotics, 15 tons of psychotropic substances, 1,700 firearms, and 1,200 vehicles.
Iraqi law imposes severe penalties for drug trafficking, including long prison sentences and the death penalty in extreme cases.
Recently, the Central Criminal Court in Baghdad sentenced seven people to death for importing and exporting drugs, including one foreign national.
Additionally, the Babil Criminal Court sentenced a drug dealer to life imprisonment after he was found with crystal meth and other narcotics intended for sale.
The Anti-Narcotics Directorate reported that in 2024 alone, they arrested 6,000 suspects and seized 10 tons of various drugs.