Seven suspected drug dealers arrested in Baghdad, Babil, Najaf 

NEWSROOM — Iraqi security forces arrest seven individuals accused of drug trafficking in Baghdad, Babel, and Najaf, according to a statement from Iraq’s Ministry of Interior, released on Saturday.

“As part of the ongoing special operations by the heroes of the General Directorate of Intelligence and Security at the Ministry of Defense, and after precise field monitoring, Baghdad Intelligence and Security Directorate teams managed to arrest five drug dealers who were present in various areas of the capital,” the statement read.

Drug paraphernalia were seized in their possession, which were confiscated, and the suspects were referred to the judiciary.

In the same context, security forces also arrested two drug dealers in Babel and Najaf governorates. “The Ministry of Defense pledges to the Iraqi people that it will be the secure wall protecting the homeland and combating the drug epidemic,” the statement concluded.

These arrests are part of ongoing anti-drugs efforts across the country. Recently, a clash between security forces and suspected drug traffickers erupted on Wednesday in Kirkuk. The confrontation left three people injured, including a security officer.

Iraq has seen a rise in drug-related crimes in recent years, prompting authorities to enforce stricter measures. By November 2024, nearly 8,000 people had been arrested on drug-related charges since the start of the year, with around 2.2 tons of narcotics confiscated. By August, the Ministry of Interior had reported issuing 140 death sentences and 500 life sentences.

The Second Baghdad International Conference on Combating Drugs was held in late-July, bringing together representatives from Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Kuwait, Iran, Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, and Egypt, aiming to regional cooperation in combating drug trafficking.