Peregraf - Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani on Sunday inaugurated the 3rd Baghdad International Conference on Combating Drugs, a two-day event (December 7–8) attended by delegations from 12 countries.
In his opening speech, Al-Sudani reaffirmed Iraq’s "firm and ongoing commitment" to confronting the drug threat, which he warned fuels crime, corruption, and social instability. He urged stronger international coordination and the development of new tools and strategies in what he described as a continuous war against criminal gangs, aiming to "reduce their risks to zero" within Iraqi society.
15 Rehabilitation Centers, 184 Courses, and Over 5,300 Trainees
Al-Sudani reviewed key government efforts under the National Strategy for Combating Drugs (2023–2025), along with recent amendments to Iraq’s anti-drug legislation. Measures highlighted include:
Rehabilitation Centers: The establishment of 15 compulsory rehabilitation centers in Baghdad and several provinces to treat and rehabilitate drug users.
Capacity Building: More than 184 training courses organized for over 5,300 trainees to strengthen the skills of personnel working in counter-narcotics units.
Security Cooperation: The signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with several countries to enhance intelligence exchange and dismantle international trafficking networks.
Technology and Funding: A call to adopt modern technological tools and scientific methods to combat smuggling and manufacturing networks, with Sudani pledging to allocate all necessary financial support.
Interior Minister: A "Complex, Cross-Border Threat"
Interior Minister Abdul Amir Al-Shammari described narcotics as a "complex, cross-border threat," emphasizing that Iraq has built an "advanced security system" capable of confronting it.
He noted that previous conferences in Baghdad opened the door to a new stage of joint regional security cooperation, which has led to unified strategies and significant field results — including major seizures and the dismantling of trafficking networks.
International Recognition — and Rising Global Numbers
Iraq’s efforts drew praise from both international and Arab bodies participating in the conference:
United Nations: Yumna Abu Hussein, representative of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, commended Iraq’s measures and noted that global drug users have now reached 316 million.
Council of Arab Interior Ministers: Secretary-General Mohammed bin Ali Koman said Iraq represents an "advanced model" of fieldwork, highlighting that the Iraqi Anti-Narcotics Directorate won first place in Arab and international operational cooperation.
Escalating Threat: Government Data Reveal Scope of the Challenge
The conference comes amid escalating confrontations with drug networks, according to recent official figures:
Networks Dismantled: Iraq has dismantled 1,201 local and international drug trafficking networks over the past three years, including 171 international networks.
Seizures: Security forces have seized 14 tons, 20 kilograms, and 17 grams of various narcotic substances during the same period.
Most Affected Age Groups: Data shows the 15–30 age group records the highest addiction rates. Crystal meth accounts for 37% of usage, while Captagon pills represent 34%.
Judicial Figures: In the first quarter of 2025 alone, authorities arrested 3,006 suspects in drug-related cases. More than 2,660 individuals were convicted on drug charges during the same year.