An Iraqi court on Monday sentenced two people to death on drug trafficking charges, as the second Baghdad International Conference on Combating Narcotics begins.

Iraqi state media reported on Monday that Najaf’s Criminal Court had handed down the sentences.

“The first convict was found in possession of 1,300 tablets of amphetamine, in addition to 20 milligrams of methylamphetamine, while the second convict was found in possession of 220 grams of methylamphetamine and 230 grams of amphetamine,” state media quoted the Judicial Council as saying. 

The sentences came on the same day Baghdad hosted the second Baghdad International Conference on Combating Narcotics, where leaders of the country emphasized their stance in combating drug-related crime.

"Combating drugs is a responsibility borne by the state and our societies," Iraqi PM Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani said in his inauguration speech at the conference, stressing the importance of enhanced coordination and cooperation to tackle the threat posed by drugs, which he said destabilize societies and economies.

The Iraqi Interior Minister echoed the PM’s in outlining current policy.

Abdul Amir Al-Shammari detailed the Ministry of Interior’s measures and plans to combat drug dealers, confirming that Iraq has successfully targeted major drug trade figures, and noting that Iraq has signed a Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) with several countries to address the drug issue.

Despite imposing severe penalties, Iraq continues to struggle with an escalating drug problem that has intensified since the US invasion in 2003.

The country has transitioned from a transit route for drugs from Iran and Pakistan to a drug manufacturing hub, as noted in a 2022 report by the Washington Institute.

Iraqi security forces have made significant strides, however the country faces substantial challenges, such as insufficient rehabilitation centers and overcrowded prisons, leading to high relapse rates among former inmates.

Iraq’s stringent narcotics laws, imposing death or life sentences for drug-related offenses, are a response to the severity of the crisis but have yet to fully curb increasing drug use and trafficking.