Military Intelligence seizes large quantity of narcotics in Anbar

ANBAR — Iraq’s Military Intelligence forces seized a large quantity of narcotic pills in the Al-Shehiyat area of Anbar, the directorate said in a statement on Monday.

According to the statement, the operation was based on precise intelligence from one of the directorate’s sources. The pills were found in a large bag and were handed over to the relevant authorities in accordance with legal procedures. The exact amount of the pills was not disclosed.

The seizer comes amid broader anti-drug efforts by Iraqi authorities. Earlier this month, authorities at the Shalamcheh border crossing in Basra arrested a foreign traveler after discovering narcotics concealed inside a water filter.

On July 30, Interior Minister Abdul Amir al-Shammari announced the dismantling of a major cross-border trafficking ring, resulting in the seizure of more than 1.35 million Captagon pills in coordination with Syrian security forces. The operation, based on Iraqi judicial warrants, was described as a significant blow to one of the region’s most dangerous drug networks.

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.