Gunfire exchange between police and drug traffickers in Baghdad
The Iraqi capital, Baghdad, witnessed an exchange of gunfire between the police forces and individuals involved in illegal activities.
In details, local media reported that clashes erupted in one of the neighborhoods of the capital between the police and individuals accused of drug trafficking.
The confrontations that broke out on Wednesday resulted in the injury of an Iraqi police officer after the suspects opened fire towards the police force.
An Iraqi security source stated that, during the execution of an arrest operation targeting individuals involved in drug-related cases, an ambush was set up for them in Al-Za’afaraniya.
The suspects exchanged gunfire with the police, leading to the injury of a major-ranking officer affiliated with the drug control unit in Al-Rusafa. Three of the suspects were arrested.
Statistics from the Iraqi Ministry of Interior indicate that there are more than 17,000 individuals imprisoned for drug possession as of 2023.
The statistics reveal that approximately 50% of the youth are involved in drug consumption in one way or another.
