Narcotic pills
Wasit court sentences drug dealer to life in prison
WASIT — The Wasit Criminal Court sentenced a man to life in prison Sunday after he was found in possession of 210 narcotic pills and 1.10 kilograms of methamphetamine, according to the judiciary’s media office.
The court issued the ruling under Article 28/First of Iraq’s Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law No. 50 of 2017. The defendant was apprehended with one kilogram and 10 grams of methamphetamine, in addition to the pills, officials said.
The sentencing comes as Iraqi authorities continue a nationwide crackdown on drug trafficking and use.
On Saturday, Iraq’s Counter-Terrorism Service arrested two suspected drug dealers following an armed clash in the Al-Ikhlas Street area of central Nasiriyah, Dhi Qar governorate.
In 2023, authorities arrested more than 19,000 people on drug-related charges, 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 tied to drug crimes. So far this year, authorities have seized more than 2.15 tons of narcotics and arrested 1,559 individuals, including 194 foreign nationals.
