Global Drug Control Summit: Anti-Narcotics Police Unite in Iraq to Combat Drug Trafficking

TEHRAN – A high-ranking delegation of senior police officers, led by Iran’s anti-narcotics police chief, Iraj Kakavand, recently participated in the third international conference focused on combating drugs. The event took place on December 7 and 8 in Baghdad, Iraq, under the theme “hand in hand, we combat drugs.” This conference gathered delegations from various countries, including Iran, Pakistan, Turkey, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Libya, the United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait.

The primary aim of the Iranian delegation was to present the country’s comprehensive measures in the fight against drugs and engage in bilateral meetings on the sidelines of this significant two-day event.

Iran and Iraq Sign Memorandum of Understanding

In a notable development, Iranian and Iraqi officials signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) in September to enhance collaborative efforts in the battle against illicit drugs. This MOU was formalized on September 11 during the second joint meeting of the committee on combating drugs and psychotropic substances held in Baghdad.

Brigadier General Hossein Zolfaqari, the secretary general of the Drug Control Headquarters (DCHQ), represented Iran at this crucial meeting, having been invited by Iraqi Health Minister Saleh al-Hasnawi, who also chairs the Supreme Committee for Combating Drugs in Iraq. The MOU is centered on several key areas:

• Training and Empowerment: Improving the skills and capabilities of law enforcement agencies through mutual training workshops.
• Security Measures: Strengthening border security to prevent drug trafficking.
• Scientific Development: Enhancing the scientific skills of experts involved in demand reduction, prevention, and treatment.
• Joint Activities: Engaging in cooperative operations to monitor psychotropic substances and chemical precursors under international supervision.

During a meeting on Wednesday, Zolfaqari and Iraqi Interior Minister Abdul Amir al-Shammari reiterated their nations’ commitment to combat narcotics, highlighting it as one of the most pressing social and security challenges of the modern era. Zolfaqari emphasized that this pervasive issue threatens not only national security but also the health of society, particularly the youth, as well as the economic stability of both nations. He remarked, “Our shared geography should be a source of prosperity and progress.”

Initial Achievements and Proposed Initiatives

Discussing the initial successes in the fight against drugs, Zolfaqari mentioned that “sharing information and expertise on narcotics has paved the way for taking effective measures.” However, he cautioned that their common enemy is “sophisticated, armed, and equipped with the latest means of technology,” indicating that these initial victories should not make them complacent in addressing the broader dimensions of this threat.

Furthermore, Zolfaqari proposed the establishment of a joint border security operation center. This center would include liaison officers from both countries to enable real-time information exchange and coordinate joint missions with greater precision. Additionally, he expressed Iran’s willingness to conduct specialized training courses on the latest strategies for detecting and combating organized smuggling and money laundering for both Iranian and Iraqi anti-narcotics police.

Another significant proposal made by Iran was the creation of a legal subcommittee aimed at:

• Identifying and Freezing Assets: Targeting the assets of smuggling networks operating across both countries.
• Facilitating Judicial Coordination: Expediting cooperation in judicial laws and protocols related to drug trafficking.

Zolfaqari stressed that collaborative efforts in the war against drugs should extend beyond land borders. He advocated for enhanced coordination in monitoring drug trafficking across air borders, cyberspace, and social networks, stating that such measures would significantly hinder the operations of smugglers.

In conclusion, the discussions and agreements reached during this international conference signify a collective determination among participating nations to tackle the pressing issue of drug trafficking. The ongoing collaboration between Iran and Iraq highlights a proactive approach in the fight against this global challenge, reinforcing their commitment to safeguarding their societies and enhancing regional security.

Through these efforts, both countries aim to create a robust framework for cooperation that not only addresses the immediate threats posed by drug trafficking but also fosters long-term stability and prosperity in the region.