UNODC Regional Representative for the Middle East and North Africa Concludes a Mission to Iraq (21-25 July 2024), Focusing on Collaborative Efforts to Counter Drug Trafficking

During the conference, Ms. Cristina Albertin, UNODC Regional Representative for the Middle East and North Africa highlighted the findings of the first-ever UNODC research on drug trafficking in Iraq and the region. The study focuses on drug trafficking trends in Iraq and neighboring countries, the increasing seizures along the three drug trafficking routes crossing Iraq, the enablers of drug trafficking, and the increasing response by the Iraqi authorities, particularly the Anti-Narcotics Directorate. It also presents recommended future actions at national and regional levels.

Ms. Albertin recognized the strong political commitment expressed in H.E. Prime Minister of Iraq, Mohammed Shia' Al Sudani's opening speech at the 2nd Baghdad International Conference on Countering Narcotics and his leadership in addressing this challenge. Furthermore, Ms. Albertin acknowledged the leadership exhibited by H.E Abdul Amir al-Shammari, the Minister of Interior, in revitalizing the campaign against illicit drug trafficking.

Subsequently, during her visit to the Anti-Narcotics Directorate at the Ministry of Interior (MoI), Ms. Albertin was briefed by Mr. Ahmed Al-Zarkani, the Director General. Ms. Albertin highly appreciated the Directorate's ongoing investment and efforts in countering trafficking in Iraq. In part, this success can be attributed to the use of enhanced strategic planning, which has led to improved operational effectiveness.

As highlighted in the UNODC research report, UNODC believes that the Iraqi Government’s efforts, supported by specialized investigation techniques, have resulted in a substantive increase in the seizures of drugs, particularly methamphetamine, and “captagon,” and the arrests of suspected drug traffickers. These efforts have been further complemented by improved regional agreements and cooperation, leading to increased cross-border law enforcement operations and the additional disruption of illicit narcotic trafficking networks operating in the region. 

Ms. Albertin’s mission in Iraq continued with the visit of the treatment center for sentenced drug offenders, operated by MoI since 2023. The UNODC Regional Representative for MENA recognized the Ministry's excellent efforts in addressing the health needs of drug offenders with drug use disorders. The establishment of 15 such centers within a few months reflects a strong commitment to the right to health of inmates as well as an effort to implement the holistic approach advocated by UNODC in compliance with the United Nations Drug Control Conventions.

During her mission, Ms. Albertin discussed ongoing and potential future UNODC cooperation programmes in drug control, countering money laundering, and corruption with national partners and stakeholders. She positively noted the outcomes of her meetings with Mr. Ali Mohsen Al-Alag, Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq, and Judge Haidar Hanon, Head of the Federal Commission of Integrity. These discussions focused on enhancing the partnership between Iraq and UNODC in anti-money laundering, countering corruption, and financing of terrorism.

UNODC currently collaborates closely with the Ministry of Interior, especially with its Anti-Narcotics Directorate in capacity-building and provision of equipment to enhance capabilities in detecting, dismantling, investigating, and prosecuting drug trafficking networks and associated individuals. This includes specific long-term training in specialized investigation techniques such as Narcotic Investigations, Human Source and Information Management, Foot and Mobile Surveillance Techniques, and Surveillance Support, which are essential for supporting the controlled deliveries of suspected illicit drugs.

The mission also included a visit to Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq, where Ms. Albertin and her team held a meeting with Mr. Dindar Zebari, the KRG Coordinator for International Advocacy, to discuss the impact of drug trafficking and potential cooperation with UNODC to prevent and counter drugs comprehensively with the rollout of a new UNODC project supported by the Government of Canada.