The Iraqi Interior Ministry announced on Wednesday that 14,000 individuals were arrested last year in connection with drug-related offenses, as part of the government’s intensified efforts to combat the growing drug crisis in the country.

Colonel Riaz Ahmad, director of the ministry’s rehabilitation department, stated that 15 rehabilitation centers have been established across various provinces to provide medical treatment for drug addicts.

“Last year, we received approximately 5,000 drug addicts for treatment, and 2,957 of them successfully completed the rehabilitation process,” Ahmad said, highlighting the ministry’s focus on recovery alongside enforcement.

The General Directorate of Drug Affairs reported that six tons of narcotics were confiscated in 2024, underscoring the scale and severity of the drug epidemic affecting Iraq.

Courts across the country have handed down harsh penalties for drug offenses. According to official reports, 144 individuals were sentenced to death, while 434 received life imprisonment, reflecting the government’s zero-tolerance approach to drug trafficking and use.

The Interior Ministry emphasized that addressing the drug problem requires a comprehensive strategy, blending strict law enforcement with rehabilitation programs and public awareness campaigns. Officials noted that these combined efforts are critical to curbing the rising influence of drugs on Iraqi society.

This crackdown represents one of Iraq’s most extensive initiatives in recent years to tackle the challenges posed by drug abuse and trafficking.