United Nations lauds Iraq Significant Progress in Combating Drug Trafficking

 

 
Baghdad – INA
 
The United Nations confirmed today, Saturday, that Iraq has made significant strides in combating drug trafficking and smuggling, while emphasising that the UN continues to support Iraq’s efforts in the fight against drugs and in enhancing cooperation in information exchange.
 
Ali El-Bereir, head of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in Iraq, stated in an interview with the Iraqi News Agency (INA): “Iraq has made significant efforts in combating drugs over the past two years, with active support for the Ministry of Interior to enhance the performance of the Drug control Directorate.” 
He pointed out that “there is high coordination between the relevant institutions under the supervision of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani and Minister of Interior Abd al-Amir Al-Shammari.”
 
El-Bereir noted that “the steps taken by Iraq in combating drug trafficking and smuggling are substantial, and this is a very important issue.” 
He emphasised that “UNODC, in its report released last July, addressed this matter clearly.”
 
He added: “The expansion of treatment efforts and the opening of rehabilitating centers for treating addicts is a very important step. We continue to support Iraq and also aim to increase cooperation with neighbouring countries in information exchange. We have always encouraged and supported this.” 
He also mentioned that “there are important steps that need to be completed, and we are working with the government on this matter.”