In a determined effort to combat the escalating issue of narcotics, the Iraqi interior ministry has reported that over 19,000 individuals were apprehended across the country in 2023 on drug-related charges. This comes as part of Baghdad's heightened measures to tackle the spread of illicit substances.

The surge in drug addicts and dealers has been a growing concern in Iraq despite the stringent measures implemented by the government to curb this alarming trend. Miqdad Miri, spokesperson for Iraq’s Ministry of Interior, informed Rudaw that, "In 2023, more than 19,000 drug suspects were arrested, and around four tons of narcotics and 15 tons of psychotropic substances were seized."

This marks a significant increase from the previous year, as Miri revealed that in 2022, approximately 15,000 suspects were arrested, and over 400 kilograms of narcotics were confiscated.

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani emphasized the gravity of the narcotics issue in the country during the first Baghdad Conference on Drug Control in May. He stated that terrorism and drugs are "two sides of the same crime." In response to the escalating crisis, Sudani has taken concrete steps, ordering the establishment of rehabilitation centers in all Iraqi provinces (excluding the Kurdistan Region). This move is part of his cabinet's commitment to combat the growing drug trade and usage with the same seriousness applied to counter-terrorism efforts.

The reported figures highlight the scale of the challenge faced by Iraqi authorities in curbing the illicit drug trade and addressing the associated issues of addiction and criminality. As Iraq continues to grapple with this complex problem, the emphasis on rehabilitation alongside law enforcement reflects a multifaceted approach to tackling the root causes of the issue and ensuring a comprehensive response. The international community will be observing closely as Iraq endeavors to stem the tide of narcotics and safeguard the well-being of its citizens.