Iraq, Australia cooperate to sentence alleged drug trafficker to life imprisonment

An arrest warrant of Kazem Hamad released by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) on February 11, 2026. Photo: AFP An Iraqi court has sentenced convicted drug trafficker Kazem Hamad to life imprisonment after finding him guilty of drug trafficking and links to transnational organized crime, in a case that involved close cooperation between Iraqi and Australian authorities. The ruling marks a significant development in Iraq’s ongoing campaign against organized crime and narcotics trafficking. In a statement issued on Monday, Iraq’s judiciary described Hamad as “one of the most wanted individuals by Iraqi and international courts.” According to the judiciary, Hamad was responsible for smuggling large quantities of heroin into both Iraq and Australia. The statement also accused him of involvement with transnational criminal networks engaged in drug trafficking, money laundering, murder, kidnapping, extortion, and organized violence. Australian authorities have identified Hamad as a key figure in Melbourne’s so-called “tobacco wars,” a violent conflict between organized crime groups competing for control of the illicit tobacco and vape market. The turf war has been linked to more than 200 arson attacks, firebombings, and extortion incidents across the Australian city. Hamad was deported from Australia in 2023 and was arrested in Iraq in January 2026, where prosecutors charged him with smuggling narcotics into both countries. The Australian Federal Police (AFP) confirmed earlier this year that it had provided operational information to support Iraq’s investigation. AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett said in February that the agency would continue cooperating with Iraqi authorities while pursuing its own investigation into Hamad and his alleged criminal network under Operation Carmen. Australian investigators have also linked Hamad to several serious crimes, including allegations that he played a role in the December 2024 firebombing of Melbourne’s Adass Israel Synagogue, according to Australian media reports. The life sentence comes as Iraq continues to intensify its fight against drug trafficking and organized crime. Despite imposing some of the region’s toughest penalties, including life imprisonment and the death penalty for major narcotics offenses, Iraq has experienced a sharp rise in drug trafficking and addiction since 2003. Officials say authorities have arrested thousands of suspects in recent years as part of nationwide anti-drug operations. Iraq was recently ranked third globally in combating narcotics at the World Police Summit in the United Arab Emirates, reflecting the country’s expanding efforts to dismantle trafficking networks.