Najaf court sentences drug trafficker to death by hanging

NAJAF, Iraq — A Najaf felony court has sentenced a man to death by hanging after convicting him of drug trafficking, security sources said. The court ruled that the defendant was caught attempting to enter the city with 2.5 kilograms of crystal narcotics. The verdict was issued under Article 27 of Law No. 50 of 2017, which regulates the fight against narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. Iraqi law provides for the death penalty in cases involving large quantities of illicit drugs under the legislation. Officials said operations against drug trafficking are continuing and that judicial proceedings are being conducted within the relevant legal framework. Najaf police units said inspections have been stepped up to prevent drug smuggling attempts into the province. No further details about the defendant or the date of the ruling were immediately available.