Who is Faisal Taghi, alleged drug kingpin extradited from UAE to Netherlands? The UAE and the Netherlands have an extradition treaty, though another alleged drug trafficker sought by the European country was recently released from Emirati custody. United Arab Emirates
Saudi's latest drug bust: thousands of narcotics tablets, 760 pounds of qat Saudi Arabia is a major destination for the amphetamine Captagon, though seizures have decreased recently due to more enforcement in transit countries like Jordan, according to a recent report. Saudi Arabia
Lebanon-Venezuela kingpin detained in Turkey's 'third largest' cocaine bust The Turkish Interior Minister reported some 1,340 pounds of cocaine seized in the operation, which also included the arrest of 13 people. Turkey
Jordan arrests dozens in crackdown against drug smuggling from Syria Dozens of people were arrested inside Jordan, as the kingdom ramps up efforts to fight drug smuggling attempts mainly on the border with Syria. Jordan
Islamic State takes border station in Iraqi desert with 'drug smuggling wali' A recent incident along Iraq’s western border and alleged connections between drug smuggling and Islamic State cells in the area have raised concern. Iraq
Drug smuggling, abuse on the rise in Iraq Iraq suffers from the flow of drugs from neighboring countries, especially Iran, through the marshes and other border crossings, and the spread among the youth has become a threat to society. Iraq
Italian police confiscate $1 billion worth of ‘Islamic State-made’ drugs The 84 million Captagon tablets were stashed inside three containers investigators discovered at the Salerno port. Syria
Tunisian activists call for regulating cannabis production, distribution A youth initiative is drafting a proposal to legalize cannabis and monitor its use and distribution, to be presented to parliament. Tunisia
Egypt moves against synthetic narcotics The Egyptian Cabinet approved new amendments to a drug law in light of a surge in the use of new kinds of drugs. Egypt
Turkey tackles extensive synthetic drug troubles Bonsai, a synthetic cannabis, has become one of the most popular — and dangerous — drugs in Turkey. Turkey
Iran wakes up to HIV/AIDS epidemic among expectant mothers The Iranian government is trying to combat the spread of an HIV/AIDS epidemic in the country, especially among pregnant women, but much work remains to be done. Iran
One-of-a-kind program assists children traumatized by war A team of 20 Syrian volunteers is helping displaced children in Cairo deal with the trauma of war. Originals
New Iran law set to radically decrease executions A new law in Iran has been written to reduce the death penalty for drug smugglers carrying smaller amounts. Iran
Iraqi war victims find solace on stage Theater therapy in Iraq is being utilized to help treat people suffering from war-related psychological problems, but institutionalizing the approach faces its own struggle in the country. Iraq
Young Iraqis experiment with variety of drugs In addition to traditional turn-ons, drug users in Iraq are expanding their habits to include everything from LSD to seemingly mundane treatments for arthritis. Iraq
