(Photo: Salah Al-Din Police Command)
Police dogs aid Salah Al-Din security forces in narcotics crackdown
SALAH AL-DIN — Security forces in Salah Al-Din Governorate have launched an intensified campaign using police dogs to detect narcotics, weapons, and explosives, the governorate police commander told 964media.
“We have provided K-9 dogs to all main checkpoints across the governorate, and in the coming period, they will be deployed to the districts as well,” said Mustafa Ahmed, commander of Salah Al-Din Police.
The move is aimed at uncovering hidden drugs, arms, and explosives, he said.
Ahmed noted a marked increase in the trafficking of narcotics in recent months. “In one operation last week alone, 28 individuals were arrested within 24 hours on charges related to narcotics trafficking,” he said.
He added that the K-9 dogs have undergone extensive training by a specialized team and have participated in multiple operations and raids. “Many times, through these police dogs, we’ve been able to identify drug traffickers and reach crime evidence sites,” Ahmed said.
Nationwide, Iraq’s General Directorate of Narcotics Affairs said it confiscated 250 kilograms of drugs and arrested 59 international dealers in September.
In the first quarter of 2025, 3,006 individuals were arrested for drug-related crimes and courts issued 973 sentences, according to an April report. Between January and August 2024, courts issued 140 death sentences and 500 life sentences tied to drug offenses.
