Babil hosts drug awareness conference marking World Drug Day

BABIL, Iraq — Umm al-Qura University in Babil province hosted an awareness conference marking World Drug Day, drawing representatives of local government, security agencies, educational institutions and provincial figures. Participants discussed measures to prevent drug use and trafficking, emphasizing the shared responsibility of families, schools, universities and public institutions. Babil Director of Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances Major General Haydar Hassun said the event aimed to raise awareness of the harmful effects of drugs on individuals, families and society. Investigator Isa Safwan of the directorate's investigation branch said most registered crimes in the province were directly or indirectly linked to drug use, and noted that Article 40 of the country's Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances Law exempts users who voluntarily seek treatment from legal prosecution. Babil Provincial Council head Asad al-Muslamawi called for a comprehensive program to address drug-related challenges. Governor Ali Turki described drugs as "more dangerous than terrorism" and stressed the need for a coordinated response starting with families and extending across all state institutions.