On Friday, Iraqi police arrested ten suspected drug dealers and dismantled a significant drug-trafficking network in the southern province of Diwaniyah, according to state media. Authorities are intensifying efforts to control the spread of narcotics across the country.

In a statement to state media, Diwaniyah police commander Najah Sultan said, “With the goal of reducing the phenomenon of drug abuse and trafficking, which is alien to Iraqi society, a force from the Directorate of Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances was able to dismantle a drug network and arrest its members, numbering ten.”

Authorities seized a large quantity of crystal meth, a hand grenade, a rifle, and a pistol during the operation, Sultan added.

Despite stringent measures implemented by the government, Iraq has seen an alarming rise in drug dealing and use in recent years. In response, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani has ordered the establishment of rehabilitation centers in all Iraqi provinces, excluding the Kurdistan Region, as part of his cabinet’s commitment to combat drugs with the same resolve as it fights terrorism.

In 2023, more than 19,000 people were arrested on drug-related charges across Iraq, and over 15 tons of psychotropic substances were seized. Additionally, at least 17 drug suspects were killed in clashes with security forces, according to the Iraqi interior ministry.

In mid-February, the interior ministers of Iraq, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon held a quadrilateral meeting in Amman. They agreed to establish a joint communications cell to enhance cooperation in addressing the alarming rise of narcotics in their countries.