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Ammon News - Minister of Interior Mazin Farrayeh engaged in a meeting on Monday with the President and members of the Iraqi Parliament's anti-Drug and psychotropic substances committee. The meeting aimed to explore avenues for strengthening Jordanian-Iraqi relations across diverse sectors, with a particular focus on joint efforts to combat the drug trade.

During the discussions, Farrayeh reaffirmed Jordan's commitment, led by the vision of His Majesty King Abdullah II, to collaborative actions between the two countries, highlighting the significance of working together to address shared security challenges, as well as the increasing threat of cross-border drug trafficking.

He acknowledged that the drug epidemic is a complex and far-reaching issue that extends beyond borders, underscoring the grave danger it poses to the youth and communities, and emphasizing that drugs have not only become a driving factor for crime but also a means to generate financial gains.

"The growing proliferation of these activities necessitates a resolute response that includes rigorous law enforcement, the use of evolving security technologies, and stringent penalties to deter both drug-related crimes and smuggling activities," he added.

The Minister praised the remarkable cooperation between Jordan and Iraq in their shared mission to combat drugs, noting that Jordan’s shared border with Iraq does not present a security burden due to comprehensive border surveillance and control measures in place.

In his remarks, Farrayeh also highlighted the critical role played by the Jordanian Armed Forces - the Arab Army, in monitoring the borders with Syria, which stretch over a distance of 375 kilometers. He commended the dedicated efforts of the Anti-Narcotics Department for their commitment to addressing this complex issue through a multifaceted approach that encompasses operational actions, prevention strategies, and treatment initiatives.

Discussing the drug trafficking situation, the minister acknowledged that while Jordan remains a transit route for drug traffickers, it also faces the challenge of increasing substance abuse within its own society. He stressed the importance of an all-encompassing strategy to combat this menace, combining education and awareness programs across multiple platforms, including media, families, educational institutions, universities, mosques, and other relevant forums.

Chairman of the Iraqi Committee, Adnan Al-Juhaishi, expressed his country’s eagerness to enhance joint cooperation in tackling this shared challenge, highlighting the ongoing efforts within Iraq and the instrumental role of its Parliament in combating the drug trade through specialized committees.

He further elaborated on the purpose of their visit to Jordan, which includes gaining insights into the legal frameworks of countries demonstrating stability across economic, social, and legislative dimensions. "The visit also encompasses discussions with various ministries and sectors engaged in anti-drug initiatives, with the aim of strengthening efforts in drug combat and consolidating cooperation between Jordan and Iraq in this crucial endeavor," he added.