Iraq seizes 38 kg of crystal meth in Sulaymaniyah operation

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Directorate for Combating Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances seized 38 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine in Sulaymaniyah following a coordinated operation with Kurdistan Region Asayish forces, the directorate said. The agency said intelligence work and field surveillance identified an international smuggling network, and that all members of the network were detained. The drugs were prepared for shipment through the Ar'ar border crossing to neighboring countries, according to the statement. The directorate said the shipment was intercepted before reaching its destination, and described the operation as part of high-level coordination with Kurdistan Region security bodies. The agency added that joint work would continue to dismantle organized criminal groups and cut off drug smuggling routes.