Security expert Sadiq Abdullah has confirmed a noticeable increase in women's involvement in drug trafficking and use in Iraq, emphasizing the seriousness of this development in spreading the drug problem in society, especially given women's ability to transport drugs without detection.
In an interview with "Baghdad Today," Abdullah stated that a careful examination of security agencies’ data concerning the drug issue, particularly regarding the arrest of women who have been used as a means of transporting drugs between provinces, shows a rise in the number of women involved in the drug trade. He pointed out that they are exploited by drug cartels to transport certain shipments, especially crystal meth, to bypass checkpoints.
He added that the majority of those described as "drug carriers" are divorced women suffering from extreme poverty, based on an analysis of some cases. Additionally, some have familial or regional ties to drug traffickers, with some even managing drug trafficking operations—cases that were rare in the past.
Abdullah noted that security forces have successfully dismantled numerous networks, including women, and investigations reveal the reasons behind their involvement in this dangerous trade, such as poverty and financial need, with some being lured and coerced into involvement.
During the first half of this year, 230 drug trafficking networks were dismantled, with over 7,700 suspects arrested, including more than 1,435 traffickers, of which 147 were international traffickers. However, the Ministry of Interior has not disclosed the number of women among those arrested.
