Iraq’s Counter-Terrorism Service arrests four drug suspects in coordinated operations

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Counter-Terrorism Service announced Wednesday the arrest of four suspected drug dealers in Dhi Qar, Najaf and Basra during a series of operations targeting narcotics networks across the country.

“Our forces carried out two special operations that resulted in the arrest of two drug dealers in Dhi Qar Governorate,” the service said in a statement.

A third suspect was arrested in Najaf during a separate raid, and a fourth was detained in Basra in a subsequent operation.

The statement said the agency “continues to conduct specialized operations in combating terrorism and drugs to achieve a secure and stable Iraq.”

The announcement follows an April report from Iraq’s General Directorate for Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances Affairs, which said 3,006 individuals were arrested during the first quarter of 2025 in ongoing anti-drug efforts. Courts sentenced 973 people for drug-related offenses during the same period.

Iraq has stepped up its crackdown on narcotics in recent years. In 2023, authorities arrested more than 19,000 people, seized over 15 tons of drugs, and reported at least 17 suspects killed in clashes with security forces. Between January and August 2024, Iraqi courts issued 140 death sentences and 500 life sentences in connection with drug crimes.