Iraqi court sentences drug trafficker to death in Najaf

NAJAF, Iraq — The Najaf Criminal Court has sentenced a drug trafficker to death by hanging after convicting him of narcotics trafficking, according to security sources. The defendant was caught attempting to enter Najaf with 2.5 kilograms of crystal narcotics, the sources said. The verdict was issued under Article 27 of Law No. 50 of 2017, which governs the fight against narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. Iraqi law provides for capital punishment in certain drug trafficking cases under this framework. Security officials said anti-narcotics operations are continuing and that judicial proceedings are being carried out within the relevant legal framework. Najaf police said inspections have been stepped up to prevent drug smuggling attempts into the province. No further details on the defendant or the case were immediately available.