Drug trafficking is one of the last things people think about when thinking about Iraq. Based on religious factors, many do not realize the seriousness of Drug trafficking in Iraq. However, Iraq is just like any other country when it comes to citizens who want to either use or sell recreational drugs on a large scale.  The only difference is Iraq places drug trafficking in the category of terrorism.  

During a speech on Wednesday, February 14, 2024, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani stressed the importance of strengthening judicial collaboration between Iran and Iraq in the fight against drug trafficking and terrorism.

"In 2018, 1,400 people, mostly men, were convicted in 2018 of possession or sale of illegal drugs, mostly crystal meth, in Basra province, Iraq's southernmost governorate and the one with the worst drug problems. In the country, more than 6,800 people are in prison, excluding the Kurdish region"  Reported by The New York Times

In a statement released by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), Al-Sudani made the remarks during a meeting with Iran's judiciary chief, Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei.

As part of the discussion, the two countries discussed their bilateral ties, their cooperative efforts to coordinate on matters of mutual concern, and Iraq's role in fostering regional dialogue to advance regional stability and serve Iraq's and its neighbors' interests.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed Gaza's current situation, Israel's ongoing heinous crimes against civilians, and the need for coordination between the Islamic world's countries to end the conflict and spare the Palestinian people from extermination.

Additionally, the Iranian official praised the Iraqi government's policies regarding the challenges Iraq and the region are facing, as well as its responsible stance regarding Gaza's development.

"In 2021 The Independent reported how crystal meth is ravaging the country."

In July of 2021, in Cario, Egypt, the UN also reported on the high usage of drugs in Iraq.   According to the UNODC World Drug Report, 35.6 million people suffer from drug use disorders globally. The Iraqi delegation attended the conference to learn how to combat drug usage in its country.   

It is believed that the drugs are coming across the Iranian border.  Something like what the United States is experiencing with Mexico.  Can't shoot your enemies? Make them drug addicts.