The Iraqi Ministry of Health on Sunday announced that they had destroyed over 217 kilograms of narcotic substance as part of the government’s increased efforts in combatting narcotics.

According to a statement from the country’s health ministry, the 217 kilograms were different types of narcotic and psychotropic substances, while an additional 50,000 Siidafid Plus pills were destroyed as well.

The process was carried out in Baghdad’s department of forensic medicine and the head of the committee in charge of the process told Iraqi state media that the process will continue in Baghdad and other Iraqi provinces.

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.

Baghdad hosted the second Baghdad International Conference on Combating Narcotics last week, 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.