Iraqi authorities display large quantities of seized narcotics and present suspects arrested in connection with a major drug trafficking network, during a press briefing by the General Directorate of Narcotics Affairs in Baghdad.
Baghdad
Authorities dismantle drug trafficking ring, seize 183 kilograms of marijuana
BAGHDAD — Authorities in Baghdad have broken up a 21-member drug trafficking network and seized 183 kilograms of marijuana, the General Directorate of Narcotics Affairs announced Sunday.
In a statement, the directorate said its Karkh branch led a targeted operation that resulted in the group’s arrest and the confiscation of illegal substances smuggled into Iraq. “The General Directorate of Narcotics Affairs, through the Karkh Narcotics Affairs Directorate, carried out a special operation that resulted in dismantling one of the drug trafficking networks in Baghdad,” the statement said. “The operation led to the arrest of 21 suspects and the seizure of 183 kilograms of marijuana and other smuggled narcotics.”
The suspects have been detained on charges related to drug trafficking.
On Feb. 26, 2025, the Karkh Criminal Court sentenced a drug dealer to life in prison for narcotics trafficking after he was found with 250 grams of marijuana “intended for sale,” along with cash and an electronic scale.
On Aug. 21, 2023, the Rusafa Criminal Court sentenced another dealer to death, convicting him of cultivating marijuana on his rooftop with the intent to distribute.
