Iraq arrests over 3,000 in first-quarter drug crackdown, seizes two tons of narcotics

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s General Directorate for Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances Affairs announced Sunday that 3,006 individuals were arrested during the first quarter of 2025 as part of the country’s ongoing anti-drug operations. Courts also sentenced 973 people for drug-related offenses during the same period.

In a statement, the directorate said it had confiscated a total of 2,166 kilograms of narcotic substances in raids and investigations conducted nationwide.

“The special investigations division at headquarters had a prominent role in combating drugs during this period,” the statement said. “Its operations, carried out under judicial orders issued by the judge of the Central Investigation Court in Rusafa, who specializes in drug-related cases, led to the seizure of 1,538 kilograms of various narcotic substances.”

The directorate also reported casualties during these operations, stating, “Enemy losses included two killed and thirteen wounded.”

Iraq has intensified its crackdown on drug trafficking in recent years. In 2023, authorities arrested more than 19,000 people, seized over 15 tons of narcotics, and reported at least 17 suspects killed during clashes with security forces.

Between January and August 2024, Iraqi courts issued 140 death sentences and 500 life sentences for drug crimes. So far in 2025, authorities have seized more than two tons of narcotics and arrested 1,559 people, including 194 foreign nationals.