Including 34 international networks: 250 drug trafficking and trade rings dismantled in Iraq

Iraq's Ministry of Interior announced on Tuesday the dismantling of 250 networks for drug trafficking and trade, including 34 international networks, alongside a noticeable decline in rates of criminal offenses and tribal conflicts across the country.

The announcement came at a press conference held by the head of the Department of Relations and Media at the Ministry of Interior, Major General Miqdad Miri, to present activities and statistics related to the ministry's work during the first 100 days of the Iraqi government.

Heavy blows to drug networks

Miri explained that anti-drug efforts over the past 100 days resulted in the seizure of 785 kilograms of narcotic materials, in addition to 177,000 drug pills, as well as the dismantling of 250 trafficking and trade networks, including 34 networks with international links, and the arrest of 144 foreign suspects.

He added that the Iraqi judiciary issued 2,157 rulings against those involved in drug cases, including judgments against 952 drug dealers and 220 defendants in international trafficking. The rulings included 59 death sentences and 254 life sentences, alongside the issuance of 18 international arrest warrants and the execution of 18 arrest orders for suspects inside Iraq.

Decline in crime and tribal dakat incidents

On the community security file, Miri said the Interior Ministry succeeded in raising crime detection rates, amid a noticeable decrease in kidnapping, killing and rape, and in the delayed execution of arrest warrants.

He noted a 30% decline in the phenomenon of "الدكات العشائرية" (tribal "dakat") over the past 100 days, announcing that 10 Iraqi provinces registered "zero tribal dakat" for being completely free of the phenomenon, in addition to a reduction in tribal disputes.