BAGHDAD, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- Iraqi security forces have dismantled 1,201 drug trafficking and promotion networks over the past three years, including 171 international rings, and seized over 14 tons of narcotic substances, the Interior Ministry said Tuesday.
During a press conference, Interior Ministry spokesperson Abbas al-Bahadli said 140 international arrest warrants have been issued, and 40 security operations have been conducted outside Iraq's borders during this period.
Years of chaos and conflict since the 2003 U.S. invasion have hindered Iraq's efforts to combat drug trafficking.
In May 2023, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani underlined the importance of waging "a war on drugs," noting that drug trade remains a major source of financing terrorism and thrives alongside terrorism. ■
