Iraq’s National Security Service and military intelligence announced on Friday separate operations in Baghdad that dismantled a drug trafficking network, arrested 19 suspects, and seized 3.5 kilograms of marijuana.
The operations are part of ongoing security efforts to track down drug networks in the capital. The agencies said the raids were based on precise intelligence and field surveillance, carried out in coordination with security forces operating in Baghdad.
National Security Service Breaks Up Marijuana Network
Intelligence-Driven Operation Seizes 3.5 Kg
The National Security Service said in a statement cited by the Iraqi News Agency that its Baghdad units dismantled a specialized drug trafficking and distribution network, arresting six members and locating one of its marijuana storage sites, where they seized around 3.5 kilograms of the drug.
According to the service, the operation was carried out under the supervision of the agency’s chief, after an intelligence and field effort that began with information about one marijuana dealer and led investigators to the wider network and its cache.
Trap, Arrests, and a Hidden Cache
The statement said judicial approval was obtained from the service’s competent investigating judge in Baghdad, after which the first suspect was tracked and caught in a carefully planned sting. That arrest led investigators to the rest of the network one by one.
It added that the service carried out a series of surveillance and raid operations, arresting the suspects one after another, before the final lead took them to a marijuana cache hidden inside an abandoned house, which was then raided and seized.
Military Intelligence Arrests 13 Drug Dealers in Baghdad
Surprise Checkpoints Across the Capital
In a separate operation, Iraq’s Military Intelligence Directorate said it had arrested 13 drug traffickers and dealers, including two women, in different parts of Baghdad.
The directorate said the arrests were made as part of joint intelligence and security cooperation with agencies operating under Baghdad Operations Command, based on accurate intelligence received by the intelligence and security section of the command.
It said joint teams, including military intelligence personnel, set up surprise checkpoints in various parts of the capital, which led to the arrests and the seizure of narcotics.
Handed Over to Authorities
The statement said legal procedures were taken against the suspects, and they were handed over to the relevant authorities to complete investigations and refer them to court for lawful prosecution.
The operations reflect the continued coordination between Iraqi security agencies to pursue trafficking and distribution networks in Baghdad, as authorities step up efforts to confront the drug trade.
Growing Pressure on Drug Networks
Ongoing Security Campaigns
The two separate operations in Baghdad show a clear intensification in the pursuit of drug networks, whether by the National Security Service or military intelligence, in coordination with judicial and security authorities.
Officials say the goal is to cut off smuggling and distribution routes and reduce the spread of narcotics in the capital.
Message of Deterrence
The operations also send a strong deterrent message to those involved in drug trafficking that Iraq’s security agencies are continuing to pursue them using intelligence-led and field-based methods, in coordination with the courts.
Conclusion:
Iraqi security agencies continue to intensify their campaign against drug networks in Baghdad, after the National Security Service dismantled a marijuana ring and military intelligence arrested 13 traffickers, including two women. The operations underline the government’s continuing efforts to strengthen security and fight organized crime in the capital.
