Nationwide operation
Iraqi authorities arrest eight suspected major drug dealers in coordinated raids
BAGHDAD — The Ministry of Defense’s Directorate General of Intelligence and Security announced on Friday the arrest of eight of the suspected “most dangerous” drug dealers in the Baghdad, Najaf, and Basra governorates.
According to the directorate, the arrests were made possible through “precise and sustained operations against organized crime and drug trafficking networks.” Warrants for the arrests were issued under Article 28 of the Narcotics Law, leading to the seizure of various drugs, drug paraphernalia, and light weapons.
The seized materials and suspects have been transferred to the relevant authorities for further legal action.
The Anti-Narcotics Directorate noted that in 2024, it has arrested 6,000 suspects and confiscated 10 tons of various drugs.
Iraqi law prescribes severe penalties for drug trafficking, including long prison sentences and, in extreme cases, the death penalty. Recently, the Central Criminal Court in Baghdad sentenced seven individuals, including one foreign national, to death for importing and exporting drugs.
Furthermore, the Babil Criminal Court sentenced a drug dealer to life imprisonment after finding him in possession of crystal meth and other narcotics intended for sale.
In 2023, Iraqi authorities arrested 144 international drug traffickers, confiscating four tons of narcotics, 15 tons of psychotropic substances, 1,700 firearms, and 1,200 vehicles.
Life sentence for drug dealer in Babil
