The Parliament Commends Government's Success in Combating Drug Trafficking

Salahuddin – INA

The Parliamentary Committee for Combating Drugs and Psychotropic Substances announced on Saturday, the significant coordination efforts with neighboring and regional countries to combat the scourge of drugs and apprehend international traffickers.

Deputy Chairman of the Strategic Planning and Federal Service Committee and member of the Parliamentary Committee for Combating Drugs, MP Muhammad Karim Al-Baldawi, told the Iraqi News Agency (INA) that "the government has undertaken major efforts over the past two years to combat the drug epidemic, which has become a societal threat, by enacting laws specifically targeting the control of narcotics and psychotropic substances."

He added, "The committee has worked to mobilize government departments and institutions, providing full support to the General Directorate of Narcotics Control. This included amending Law No. 50 of 2017, holding conferences and media seminars, and encouraging all relevant sectors to fight this scourge. Efforts have been made to reduce its impact and eradicate it through public support and engagement of all societal components."

Al-Baldawi further noted, "A significant effort has been made by the government and the Ministry of Interior, which has achieved remarkable success during this period, including the capture of international drug traffickers."
 He emphasized that "there has been high-level monitoring and coordination with neighboring and regional countries, as well as with the global community, to combat this threat. This effort has led to the capture of international traffickers, in addition to apprehending local dealers and promoters."

He also highlighted that "the death sentences issued against drug traffickers number approximately 147 individuals, seven of whom are international dealers linked to global networks."

 He pointed out that "3,800 narcotics units were seized, along with the destruction of millions of crystal methamphetamine pills and various other drugs," adding that "the drug control efforts have reached an advanced and significant stage."

Al-Baldawi mentioned that "during its meeting with the Prime Minister, in the presence of the Ministers of Health, Interior, and Justice, the Anti-Drug Committee presented its strategies for tackling the drug issue, based on the significant achievements made in this regard."

 He added, "There are now rehabilitation centers for drug addicts, which represent a qualitative shift, as previously there were no such centers, and addicts were simply imprisoned, which negatively affected their health and well-being."

He concluded by explaining that "over 2,000 individuals have been rehabilitated in enforced treatment centers, with thousands more receiving care in medical rehabilitation centers. This represents a significant leap forward in confronting this epidemic with all available resources and capabilities, achieving substantial success in combating this menace."