Two wanted drug traffickers killed in operation in S. Iraq

BAGHDAD, June 12 (Xinhua) -- Two drug traffickers, one wanted since 2015, were killed during an operation in the southern Iraqi province of Maysan, the Iraqi National Security Service said in a statement Friday.

The statement said that the suspects opened fire on the security forces during an arrest operation, triggering a clash that resulted in both traffickers' deaths.

One of the slain traffickers, known as Abu Fatim, was identified as Iraq's primary crystal meth dealer and a major narcotics distributor, said the statement.

Security forces seized narcotics, firearms, and several hand grenades at the scene, it noted.

Years of chaos and conflict following the 2003 U.S.-led invasion have hindered Iraq's efforts to combat narcotics. The Iraqi government has stated that drug trafficking remains a key source of funding for terrorism.

The Iraqi Interior Ministry said in November last year that the country had dismantled 1,201 drug trafficking and distribution networks over the past three years, including 171 international rings, and seized more than 14 tonnes of narcotics. Enditem