Basra authorities arrest 119 suspects, dismantle 14 drug networks in July

BASRA, Iraq — Authorities in Basra arrested 119 suspects and dismantled 14 drug trafficking networks during operations carried out throughout July, the provincial directorate for narcotics and psychotropic substances said in a written statement. The operations resulted in the seizure of more than 8.5 kilograms of various narcotics and over 3,000 psychotropic pills. According to the directorate, the suspects identified during the investigations have been referred to the judiciary for legal action. Officials said the campaign targets both traffickers and street-level dealers. The directorate added that surveillance of drug smugglers and sellers will continue. Authorities said efforts to combat drug use, which officials described as spreading particularly among young people, would be pursued with determination. No further details on the specific operations or the substances seized were immediately available.