Iraq’s National Security Service (INSS) announced on Thursday a sweeping series of operations throughout 2025, resulting in the arrest of more than 800 individuals on drug-related charges and the dismantling of multiple international trafficking networks, even as the country grapples with a persistent narcotics crisis.

INSS spokesperson Arshad al-Hakim provided details of the year's efforts, stating that security forces had seized 112 kilograms of narcotics and approximately 621,000 narcotic pills. A total of 835 alleged "drug dealers and traffickers" were arrested nationwide.

“We have succeeded in dismantling at least 14 so-called international drug trafficking networks,” Hakim added, highlighting the transnational scope of the operations.

The crackdown comes amid an escalating drug problem in Iraq, a issue that has intensified since 2003. Despite severe penalties, including death or life sentences for drug trafficking under Iraqi law, authorities have struggled to fully curb the spread of narcotics. Official data from 2024 underscores the scale of the challenge, with around 14,500 suspects arrested on drug charges that year. Courts issued death sentences for 144 suspected traffickers and life sentences (20 years in Iraqi law) to at least 454 others.

Iraq's efforts have gained some international recognition. At the World Police Summit held in the United Arab Emirates in May, Iraq ranked third globally in combating narcotics, behind India and Montenegro, in an evaluation of 138 countries.

Beyond the narcotics fight, the INSS detailed broader security operations targeting ideological and terrorist threats. Hakim announced the execution of 434 arrest warrants for individuals accused of "terrorism," with a focus on remnants of the Islamic State (ISIS), which continue to pose a security threat nearly a decade after its territorial defeat.

The service also reported arrests linked to other banned organizations. At least 238 individuals were detained on charges related to "extremist religious movements," and 342 were arrested for alleged ties to the banned Baath Party. The Baath Party, which ruled Iraq under Saddam Hussein until the 2003 U.S.-led invasion, is prohibited under Article 7 of the constitution.

These arrests are part of ongoing efforts to counter the party's influence. In July, the INSS announced it had foiled suspected Baathist plans for sabotage operations in three provinces, arresting 40 suspects.