3 Saudis arrested in Iraq for possession of drugs

Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – The arrest of three Saudi citizens in Baghdad on charges related to drug possession is a significant development in Iraq, as it appears to be the first reported case of Saudi nationals facing such charges in the country.

The Saudi drug traffickers were arrested in the eastern neighborhood of Baladiyat, an Iraqi Interior Ministry official reported. 

Drug smuggling and usage in Iraq have surged since the 2003 US-led invasion. This has led to a transformation of the country, evolving from merely facilitating drug trafficking to neighboring countries to becoming a prominent center for this illicit activity

According to the Health Ministry, Captagon has become the second most prevalent drug in Iraq, surpassing tramadol, heroin, and hashish in terms of popularity. Often referred to as the “jihadist drug,” captagon is a synthetic drug that contains amphetamine and theophylline.

In July, security forces discovered and confiscated a facility where Captagon pills were being manufactured. The location was in Al Muthana province, approximately 300 kilometers south of Baghdad, sharing a border with Saudi Arabia, as reported by the ministry.

Drug-related issues can be a concern for many countries, including Iraq, and governments typically take such matters seriously due to the potential public health and safety risks associated with drug use and trafficking.