Anti-Narcotics Police Issue Travel Warnings for Pilgrims

The Hajj and Pilgrimage Organisation has issued a series of warnings regarding strict drug laws and prohibited medications for those travelling to Iraq.

According to the Hajj and Pilgrimage Organisation, the Anti-Narcotics Police have issued the following guidance: Firstly, under the law, the purchase, sale, transport, possession, and consumption of narcotics and psychotropic substances within the country are considered criminal offences and are subject to legal prosecution.

Secondly, carrying medications such as codeine-based acetaminophen, diazepam, flurazepam, tramadol, methadone, and buprenorphine (B2), as well as drugs for epilepsy and cancer, is considered a criminal offence in Iraq and will result in severe penalties.

Thirdly, any individual found purchasing, selling, transporting, possessing, or consuming narcotics (even as little as half a gram) or prohibited medications (even two tablets) in Iraq will be sentenced to a fine of 5 million dinars and one year of imprisonment.

Finally, one of the tactics used by drug traffickers and users is to have substances transported by unsuspecting individuals; therefore, you should under no circumstances accept any luggage or items from anyone as a favour.