The suspects “were found in possession of various narcotic substances and drug paraphernalia, in addition to light weapons,” the ministry announced on Facebook.
Iraq’s intelligence and security directorate reported arresting the suspects in Baghdad, Basra and Najaf.
The sentences were issued in accordance with Article 28 of Iraq’s Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances Law, which states that anyone convicted of purchasing, dealing, or possessing narcotic substances, or encouraging and promoting the use of such substances, will face up to life in prison and a 10 million to 30 million dinar ($7,600 to $23,000) fine.
Earlier this month, a Baghdad court sentenced seven drug traffickers to death, including one foreign national.
Drug dealing, use and trafficking have increased in Iraq in recent years, despite countermeasures taken by the government.
Iraq’s Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani has ordered the establishment of rehabilitation centers in all Iraqi provinces, excluding in the Kurdistan Region, as part of his cabinet’s commitment to combat drugs with the same determination as it fights terrorism.
More than 19,000 people were arrested on drug-related charges across Iraq in 2023 and more than 15 tons of psychotropic substances were seized.
Reporting by Didar Abdalrahman
