We dismantled local and international drug trafficking networks: Al-Shammari

INA-  Baghdad

Al-Shammari said in his speech during the annual conference to combat drugs, held by the General Directorate of Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances Affairs at the Ministry of Interior in the Ministry building and attended by the Iraqi News Agency INA that "the support of the Prime Minister had a concrete impact in the fight against drugs," stressing that "the ministry is determined to stop all sources of drugs entering the country.

He added that "the great interest and continuous support of the Prime Minister in anti-drug measures had a tangible impact in raising the level of performance of the General Directorate of Narcotic and Psychotropic Substances Affairs and the competent security agencies in managing this crime, conducting outstanding activities, seizing large quantities of narcotic and Psychotropic Substances, arresting many traders, smugglers, and promoters and dismantling networks inside and outside Iraq.

He also declared that "the attention of the Head of the Supreme Judicial Council to this file and the continuous guidance of investigative judges in supporting the Directorate General for combating narcotic drugs and Psychotropic Substances and issuing deterrent sentences against those involved in drug trafficking and promotion cases gave great moral support to officers and associates in tracking drug promotion networks.

Interior Minister asserted that" the Ministry of Interior is determined to stop all drug smuggling outlets into the country through holding and securing the international borders throughout this year and will continue until their complete elimination during 2024 through supporting the procedures of the command of the border forces," calling on "the Border Ports Authority to improve and activate its measures to prevent drug smuggling and increase coordination and cooperation with the Ministry of Interior to control land, air and sea ports, which will contribute to ending the entry of these toxins into the country.

"Despite the achievements, the General Directorate for Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances affairs at the Ministry of Interior still needs to bolster its efforts and support from all ministries, bodies, and institutions to conduct the tasks of combating drugs is a common responsibility that does not fall on a particular side and is no less dangerous than terrorism, so it has become imperative for everyone, from a legitimate national starting point, to exert maximum efforts and harness all possibilities to eliminate this phenomenon," he added.