Baghdad: The Ministry of Health announced today, Tuesday, the destruction of approximately 12 tons of psychotropic substances.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Ministry stated, “Under the supervision and guidance of the Minister of Health, Saleh al-Hasnawi, Chairman of the Supreme National Commission for Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances, the destruction committee carried out the inspection and destruction of approximately 12 tons of psychotropic substances today, Tuesday, at the Basmaya camp.”

The statement further detailed that the destruction operation was led by Yasser al-Khuza’i, a representative of the Supreme Judicial Council. The operation also involved the participation of Zaman Mahmoud Jassim, a representative of the Office of the National Advisor and rapporteur of the Supreme National Commission. The effort was a joint undertaking with the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers, the Border Ports Authority, the General Authority of Customs, and the General Directorate of Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances.

This initiative is part of the Ministries of Health and Interior’s ongoing efforts to adhere to the government program, emphasizing that combating drugs remains a top priority. Al-Khuza’i provided insight into the destruction process, explaining that it involved a trench-digging mechanism. Wooden skewers were used to layer the narcotic substances, which were then sprinkled with kerosene. Another layer of skewers was added before the materials were ignited, generating high temperatures that reduced the substances to ash, leaving no trace behind.