The drug scourge is worsening and Iraq launches a community campaign to confront it

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[size=52]The drug scourge is worsening and Iraq launches a community campaign to confront it[/size]

[size=45]In recent years, Iraq has witnessed a worrying increase in the spread of drugs, both in terms of trafficking and abuse, which has raised fears in society, which considers drugs a phenomenon alien to its values ​​and traditions.
The General Directorate of Narcotics Affairs in the Iraqi Ministry of Interior revealed, in a statistic it published on drugs, the arrest of about 10,000 people accused of committing drug-related crimes since the beginning of this year until the end of last August, and the issuance of judicial rulings against about 5,500 of them since the beginning of this year, including 140 death sentences and 500 life sentences.
The statistic showed that the security authorities dismantled international networks specialized in drug smuggling.
With the rise in the numbers of drug trafficking and abuse, societal rejection has increased through movements and activities aimed at raising awareness of the dangers, and activists in Anbar Governorate launched the “Awfoha” (Leave it) campaign, which calls for avoiding and abandoning drugs.
Qais Saber al-Dulaimi, spokesman for the “Awfouha” campaign, said: “The campaign was launched by young men belonging to the Youth of Humanity volunteer team in the al-Baghdadi area in western Anbar because of the danger they noticed to the community life of most families from drugs and their woes.”
He explained that “the Awfouha campaign program aims to raise awareness among young people about the dangers of drugs, and it carries out many activities in this regard, including seminars and conferences in Anbar Governorate, which is the largest governorate in terms of area, but it seeks to spread initiatives in various governorates to address the dangers of the spread of drugs in society.”
The campaign receives support from several parties in Anbar, especially from the local government and security services in Anbar.
Al-Dulaimi said that “the campaign achieved good results that exceeded expectations, and was able to save hundreds of young people from drifting into drugs. The people’s interaction and support increased the success of this campaign.”
The “Awfuha” campaign has received wide support from the residents of Anbar province, which is known for its tribal nature and was among the most affected by ISIS between 2014 and 2017. This makes its people insist on preserving it not only from terrorism, but also from any emergency that has no relation to their society, according to journalist Qasim Mohammed Ali, who expresses his great appreciation for the launchers of the “Awfuha” campaign and points out its importance in confronting the phenomenon of the spread of drugs that has become a threat to society. He says: “Drugs have become a real problem in our city. We see young people going astray due to addiction, and this is something we cannot accept. Therefore, the “Awfuha” campaign is a necessary response because it is not limited to warning against drugs, but rather provides comprehensive awareness about their health and social risks, and urges young people to stay away from them.”
He points out that “the campaign affects families by raising their awareness and alerting them to the dangers of drugs, especially since a large percentage of Anbar residents come from families with a simple culture, including villagers whose work in agriculture and livestock keeps them from knowing what is happening outside their simple community.”
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Interior, the number of drug seizures of various types since the beginning of this year until the end of July amounted to about two tons and 20 kilograms, which indicates, according to Taha Al-Issawi, a resident of Anbar, “the widespread drug trade and use in Iraq, and indicates that many people see it as a quick profit that prompts them to engage in its trade.”
Al-Issawi added: “Drug trafficking is common among young people, and in Anbar province in particular, small, lightweight, and highly addictive types of narcotic pills have appeared, providing good profits for those who trade them.”
He added: “Crystal pills and Captagon are the most widespread and very dangerous narcotics, as those who use them quickly become addicted. Those who promote them exploit young people and teenagers. The “Awfouha” campaign has revealed the danger that awaits society.”
Last August, the General Directorate of Narcotics Affairs announced that it had seized 100 kilograms of Captagon pills and dismantled a network involved in international drug trafficking in Anbar.
Young people in Anbar province spoke about the importance of combating and eliminating drugs to preserve the tribal identity of society and its ancient traditions. They expressed their concern about the impact of the scourge on future generations and the fabric of society based on family and religious values.
University student Omar Nayef said: “Drugs do not only threaten the health of the individual, but also the foundations of our society based on mutual respect and tribal traditions. “We were raised on values ​​that uphold the family and tribe, which places a responsibility on us to protect ourselves and our community from anything that might threaten its stability,”
Maher Al-Zubaie stresses. “The continued spread of drugs in this way will cause the loss of an entire generation. In Anbar, we have our own identity that has spanned decades, and it is based on self-respect and honest work. Drugs are completely at odds with these principles, and we, as young people, are responsible for preserving this identity. That is why we support campaigns like Awfoha to raise awareness, which not only warn against drugs, but also call on us, the youth, to assume our responsibilities towards ourselves, our families, and our community.”[/size]
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