On Monday, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani issued a stark warning about the devastating impact of drugs on the nation's future, drawing parallels between the effects of narcotics and those of war and displacement. His comments came during the Baghdad International Conference on Combating Drugs, held for the second consecutive year in the Iraqi capital.

“The threat of drugs not only harms our youth but endangers our entire future,” Sudani declared. “The effects of drugs are akin to those of wars, displacement, and the uprooting of peoples from their foundations.” He identified drugs as a key factor in the region's instability, stressing the necessity for enhanced cooperation to combat this menace.

The conference saw participation from delegations of interior ministries and drug enforcement agencies from nine regional countries, alongside representatives from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.

Sudani also underscored the linkage between terrorism and drug trafficking, describing both as crimes that aim to destabilize societies and weaken nations. He highlighted Baghdad’s readiness to share its expertise and capabilities in the fight against drugs. “Drugs are no longer merely chemical substances that affect the minds of some individuals and users but a means to destroy societies from within,” he asserted.

Iraq has witnessed a disturbing increase in drug addiction and trafficking despite stringent governmental measures. In 2023, over 19,000 individuals were arrested on drug-related charges, and more than 15 tons of psychotropic substances were confiscated. At least 17 drug suspects were killed in clashes with security forces last year, according to the Iraqi interior ministry.

In response to the growing drug crisis, Sudani has mandated the creation of rehabilitation centers in all Iraqi provinces, excluding the Kurdistan Region. This initiative is part of his administration’s broader strategy to tackle drug abuse with the same rigor as it combats terrorism.

During a quadrilateral meeting in Amman in February, the interior ministers of Iraq, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon agreed to establish a joint communications cell. This collaborative effort aims to enhance coordination and address the escalating drug problem in their respective countries.

The conference in Baghdad served as a platform for regional stakeholders to discuss and devise strategies to counter the drug epidemic, reinforcing the need for a united front in tackling this pervasive threat.