Minister of Interior Abdul Amir Al-Shammari praised, today, Saturday, the directives of the religious authority in supporting the work of combating drugs. The ministry said in a statement, "Minister of Interior Abdul Amir Al-Shammari chaired a meeting at the headquarters of the Directorate of Combating Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances, in the presence of a number of directors of the directorates, to listen to the monthly briefing on the most important duties and tasks implemented by the directorate's detachments in Baghdad and the governorates." The minister praised "the great support of the religious authority for the work of the Ministry of Interior in combating this dangerous scourge on society," stressing "the need to take full advantage of the directives issued in this regard." He directed, "to intensify training and professional qualification for all new officers in the Directorate of Combating Narcotics, in conjunction with continuing to strike drug dealers and dismantle local and international networks by relying on intelligence efforts to follow up and implement security operations." The statement added that during the "meeting, a number of topics raised by those present were discussed to enhance awareness and protect society from these toxins and hold traffickers, promoters and users accountable.' Source: National Iraqi News Agency