Iraqi PM visits Interior Ministry anti-drug directorate, reviews operations

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Prime Minister Ali Ziyadi on Friday visited the General Directorate for Combating Drugs and Psychotropic Substances within the Interior Ministry to review ongoing anti-narcotics operations, the Prime Minister's press office said. During the visit, Ziyadi toured a permanent exhibition at the directorate displaying methods used in drug trafficking and treatment processes for addicts, and read the Fatiha surah of the Qur'an at a memorial honoring the unit's fallen staff. The prime minister then chaired a meeting attended by the directorate's senior leadership and the Office Director of the Chief of General Staff, receiving a detailed briefing on results achieved and outstanding challenges. Addressing officials, Ziyadi said Iraq is pressing ahead with its fight against corruption and narcotics without retreat. He also said progress has been made in regional cooperation to prevent the trafficking of toxic substances and to stop Iraqi territory from being used as a transit route. No further details were immediately available on the specific operations or agreements discussed during the visit.