Iraqi court issues death sentences for six convicted of forming international drug smuggling network

BAGHDAD — Iraqi media announced that the Central Criminal Court has issued death sentences for six individuals convicted of attempting to establish an international drug smuggling network. The network aimed to promote and sell narcotics within Iraq and transport them to Gulf countries.

The Court’s statement revealed that the convicts were found in possession of 30 kg of crystal meth, which they intended to distribute within Iraq and smuggle to neighboring Gulf states.

Spokesman for the Iraqi Ministry of Interior, Mekdad Miri, reported that in the first six months of this year alone, the judiciary issued 140 death sentences and 500 life imprisonment sentences. The arrests mainly involved crimes such as drug trafficking, theft, fraud, currency smuggling, and other major offenses. This marks an increase compared to the 8,000 suspects arrested in the first half of 2023.

Over the past decade, Iraq has increasingly become a hub for the import and export of narcotics, with reports indicating that many of these substances originate from Iran and are destined for regional countries.

Since the beginning of 2024, the Interior Ministry has arrested 6,000 individuals accused of drug-related crimes.