Iraq shifts drug strategy toward combined enforcement and treatment, lawmaker says

BAGHDAD, Iraq — A member of the Iraqi parliament said the country has shifted from being a drug transit country to a consumer market, framing narcotics as a serious security and social problem. MP Yasir Watwat said the Interior Ministry and supporting units have pursued a broad strategy over the past three years built on combining intelligence work, strengthening citizen cooperation, and equipping anti-drug directorates with personnel and modern technology. Watwat said the approach has led to the dismantling of dozens of networks, the blocking of smuggling attempts at the border, and the seizure of tens of tons of narcotics. He acknowledged that smuggling networks use advanced transport and concealment methods, and that some maintain regional and international links, keeping the threat active. Kasim al-Azzavi, involved in addiction-response efforts, said the establishment of dedicated treatment and rehabilitation centers for users marked an important step. He stressed that security enforcement and treatment services must be pursued together, without separating prevention from care.