The Iraqi Ministry of Interior has released its statistical report for the first six months of 2026, reporting a significant decline in the nationwide crime rate alongside intensified anti-drug operations.

According to the ministry, nearly two tons of narcotics were seized during the period, thousands of suspects were arrested, and courts handed down severe sentences to convicted traffickers.

Crime Rate Declines During the First Half of 2026

Speaking at a press conference in Baghdad attended by a Channel8 correspondent, Ministry of Interior spokesperson Miqdad Miri announced that Iraq's overall crime rate declined by 18% during the first half of 2026 compared with the corresponding period in previous years.

He also stated that approximately 2,000 kilograms of illegal drugs were confiscated during the same period.

Addressing the geographic distribution of crime, Miri said the lowest crime rate was recorded in Baghdad, while Basra registered the highest.

He added that authorities documented 9,023 cases of domestic assault by husbands against their wives, compared with 2,235 cases involving assaults by wives against their husbands.

According to the ministry, more than 16,000 domestic complaints were recorded during the first six months of the year.

Miri said a number of these cases were resolved through social reconciliation agreements without being referred to court.

He also reported 617 suicide cases during the same period and said 766 people were arrested for illegal gunfire.

Anti-Drug Operations and Sentences

The Ministry of Interior reported the seizure of 1,977 kilograms of narcotics during the first half of 2026.

Authorities also arrested 3,553 suspects on drug-related charges. Among them, 85 were sentenced to death, while 236 received life imprisonment.

Miri said the ministry carried out 17 international operations targeting drug trafficking networks in coordination with neighboring and regional countries.

Operations Against Tribal Violence and Extremist Groups

The spokesperson said 289 suspects were arrested for firing weapons during tribal and social disputes.

He added that 102 suspects were detained for alleged links to extremist religious movements or for promoting the banned Baath Party, while 50 suspects were arrested on charges related to antiquities smuggling.

Cybercrime and Human Trafficking Arrests

According to the ministry, security forces also arrested 83 suspects for cyber-blackmail, 25 for financial fraud, and 52 for human trafficking offenses during the reporting period.

Traffic Violations

Concluding the report, Miri stated that Iraqi authorities recorded 2,638,000 traffic violations and fines during the first six months of 2026.