MOI: 25 international dismantled networks and issuing 74 death sentences during the current year

Baghdad - INA

The Drug Affairs Directorate of the Ministry of Interior announced today, Saturday, the dismantling of 25 international networks and the issuance of 74 death sentences during the current year while stressing that the support of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani was reflected in the achievements made, exceeding the work of the previous 7 years.

Director of the Research and Studies Center in the Directorate, Ziad Khalaf Katea, told the Iraqi News Agency (INA): "During the year 2024, 25 international drug trafficking networks were dismantled in cooperation with neighbouring countries," noting that "the exchange of information and updating of the information base is taking place between countries to identify developments in this field."

He added, "Delivery operations between countries are carried out through Drug Law No. 50 of 2017," noting that "Iraq cooperates with several regional countries such as Syria, Iran and Qatar by passing the shipment under the flag of the joint state to arrest the dealers."

He continued, "Through the Iraqi courts and the Supreme Judicial Council, 74 death sentences were issued against drug dealers," noting that "death sentences or life sentences are issued according to Articles 27 and 28."

Katea explained that "the sentences issued during the current year are very large as a result of the arrests," noting that "the past three years witnessed only 54 sentences."

He added, "The Prime Minister is showing great support and care for this file, which has had a positive impact on the work through its expansion at various levels, which has allowed for the achievement of accomplishments that exceed the work of the previous 7 years."