Dhi Qar
Anti-terror unit arrests two suspected drug dealers after armed clash in Nasiriyah
DHI QAR — Iraq’s Counter-Terrorism Service arrested suspected two drug dealers Saturday following an armed clash in the Al-Ikhlas Street area of central Nasiriyah, Dhi Qar, according to a security source.
The source told 964media that the Counter-Terrorism Service carried out a security operation targeting a drug trafficking network. During a raid on a house in the area, an exchange of fire broke out between the unit and the suspects.
The confrontation lasted for about 30 minutes before the two suspects surrendered. Authorities have since taken legal action against them.
Iraq has intensified its crackdown on drug trafficking and abuse. In 2023, authorities arrested more than 19,000 people for drug-related offenses, seized over 15 tons of narcotics, and reported at least 17 suspects killed in clashes with security forces.
Between January and August 2024, courts issued 140 death sentences and 500 life sentences in connection with drug crimes. So far this year, authorities have seized 2.156 tons of narcotics and arrested 1,559 individuals, including 194 foreign nationals.
On March 16, security forces announced the seizure of more than one metric ton of captagon tablets smuggled from Syria through Turkey.
