Six suspected drug dealers arrested in Baghdad and Najaf

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s military intelligence forces announced on Wednesday the arrest of suspected six drug dealers in Najaf and Baghdad in separate operations.

In a statement, the Ministry of Defense confirmed that four drug dealers were apprehended in Najaf following “precise intelligence” and were caught in the act. Arrest warrants had been issued against them under Article 28 of the Narcotics Law. The suspects were handed over to the relevant authorities for further legal proceedings.

In another operation, intelligence units in Baghdad arrested another two suspects in separate areas of the city. The arrests were made after securing judicial approvals and executing a planned ambush.

“The Ministry of Defense pledges to the Iraqi people that it will remain a steadfast shield in protecting the nation and combating organized crime gangs and the scourge of drugs,” the statement added.

Iraq has witnessed an increase in drug-related crimes, leading authorities to implement stringent measures. By November 2024, nearly 8,000 individuals had been arrested on drug-related charges since the beginning of the year, with approximately 2.2 tons of narcotics seized. By August, the Ministry of Interior reported issuing 140 death sentences and 500 life sentences.

In 2023, over 19,000 individuals were arrested for drug-related offenses, with more than 15 tons of psychotropic substances confiscated. The Ministry of Interior also reported that at least 17 drug suspects were killed in confrontations with security forces during the year.