Despite stringent measures, Iraq is grappling with an alarming rise in drug trafficking and use, with authorities pointing to Syria and Iran as major sources of the illicit substances entering the country. Iraqi officials are stepping up efforts to address the escalating crisis, as drug seizures have reached 3.5 tons this year alone, according to Yasser Husseini, a member of the Iraqi parliament’s anti-drug committee.

"We are working on legislation to curb this dangerous scourge on society," Husseini said, adding that the new laws will target key points of entry at border crossings, where much of the drug smuggling occurs.

As part of the proposed measures, the new law will introduce compulsory drug testing in universities, restaurants, gyms, and even prior to marriage, in an effort to limit the spread of narcotics. Husseini noted that drug use has reached alarming levels, particularly among students in universities and even high schools.

Abdul Amir Mayahi, a member of the parliamentary integrity committee, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to tightening control at border crossings to curb further smuggling, stating that there is broad parliamentary support for the new proposals.

Colonel Maliki, representing the Legal Committee of Parliament, highlighted that while tougher laws are crucial, societal efforts are equally necessary to combat the growing drug crisis. Parliament has already held the first and second readings of an amendment to the anti-drug law, which includes provisions for compulsory drug testing.

As drug trafficking and abuse continue to rise across Iraq, the government and parliament are racing against time to implement stricter regulations to protect society from the expanding threat.