Basra police arrest suspected drug trafficker, demolish drug den

BASRA– A joint force from Basra police arrested a suspected drug trafficker in Al-Zubair on Saturday during an operation that also resulted in the demolition of a residence used for distributing and using narcotics, according to a police statement.

Basra Police Command described the suspect as “one of the most dangerous drug dealers” in Al-Zubair district.

Authorities say they found approximately 250 grams of crystal meth, along with a digital scale, drug paraphernalia, and identification documents belonging to multiple individuals. The house, located in an informal housing area, was demolished after legal procedures were completed, as it was used as a drug distribution and use site.

The suspect was referred to Al-Zubair’s criminal investigations unit, where he reportedly confessed to drug trafficking and involvement in multiple thefts.

Iraq’s Military Intelligence Directorate forces arrested a drug trafficker in Anbar on Friday, seizing a large quantity of Captagon tablets in a planned operation.

The General Directorate of Narcotics Affairs reported nationwide seizures of 250 kilograms of drugs and the arrest of 59 international dealers in September. In the first quarter of 2025, authorities arrested 3,006 people on drug-related offenses, and courts issued 973 sentences, an April report said.

Between January and August 2024, Iraqi courts handed down 140 death sentences and 500 life sentences in narcotics cases.