Al-Sudani urges the Presidency of the Republic to endorse all finalized death sentences for individuals convicted in drug cases

Baghdad-INA
 
 
Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani, attended this Saturday morning the Annual Anti-Narcotics Conference, which was held by the General Directorate of Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances Affairs at the Ministry of Interior in the Ministry’s building, and discussed the serious dangers of drugs on the individual and society, and the mechanisms for dealing with them.
 
 
The Media Office of the Prime Minister said in a statement, received by The Iraqi News Agency-INA, that “Prime Minister Al-Sudani expressed appreciation for the Ministry of Interior's efforts in organizing this crucial conference. The conference addresses one of the most pressing issues in Iraq and worldwide—the drug problem. This issue has evolved into a tangible threat and an imminent danger to the internal and national security of countries”.
 
Al-Sudani emphasized that drugs contribute to the erosion of the social fabric, lead to economic losses, and foster a breeding ground for criminal activities. Moreover, they pose a threat to national security, given that the drug trade has transformed into an international challenge involving gangs and cross-border organizations. It stands as one of the principal sources of financing for terrorist groups, necessitating heightened cooperation and coordination between countries to mitigate their dangers.
 
 
PM also urged the Presidency of the Republic to endorse all finalized death sentences for individuals convicted in drug cases, emphasizing the need to implement the law and set an example for those who pose a threat to the country's security and its citizens.
“The government took initial steps to address drugs challenge, including reorganizing the structure by connecting Baghdad directorates and governorates directly to the central headquarters of the Narcotics Directorate, rather than the police commands, to facilitate decision making process,” he added.
 
 
“ Sites from the Ministry of Defense were designated for the General Directorate of Narcotics Affairs to renovate headquarters, parking lots, and clinics for the rehabilitation of addicts and drug users,” PM affirmed. “Addressing the drug addiction problem should prioritize the humanitarian aspect over the punitive aspect, and significant progress has been made in the treatment and rehabilitation of drug users and addicts”.
 
He also confirmed “We launched a national strategy to combat drugs, for the years 2023-2025,and Special committees were formed to amend the Narcotics Law of 2017 and the Narcotics Control Agency Law”.
“Tackling the drug problem involves addressing its root causes, including providing young people with free and dignified lives, as well as creating job opportunities to protect them from this scourge”.
 
 
Al-Sudani continued,” All efforts must be mobilized to contain the drug threat, by seeking religious and social guidance, affirming that “Forming a support team for the security forces combating drugs is feasible, involving individuals from various backgrounds such as athletes, artists, academics, and social media celebrities”.
“The Ministry of Interior is the first front line in the war against drugs, which is similar to our war on terrorism,” he added. Noting that,” Updating security plans, enhancing the performance of relevant agencies through training courses, and leveraging the latest technological developments.”
 
“We honor and acknowledge the sacrifices made by the members of the Ministry of Interior in the battle against drugs and we recognize the judiciary's courageous stance in this war, facing threats from drug gangs”, PM added.
 
He also acknowledged the sacrifice of Judge Ahmed Faisal Al-Saadi, a specialist in drug cases, who gave his life while confronting the hardened criminals responsible for flooding the country with drugs.