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Drugs, militias form explosive mix on Iraq-Iran border

Officers and judges who dare to go up against those controlling the drug trade along Iraq’s southeastern border with Iran continue to be targeted as attempts are made to crack down on corruption.

An Iranian man pours kerosene on a pile of drugs seized by authorities.
An Iranian man pours kerosene on a pile of drugs seized by authorities in recent months before setting it ablaze in eastern Tehran on June 26, 2013. — BEHROUZ MEHRI/AFP via Getty Images

BAGHDAD — An anti-narcotics Interior Ministry general was assassinated Sept. 5 in Iraq’s drug-plagued southeastern region of Maysan on the same day as the announcement of the arrest of the region’s National Security Department director for corruption.

Both mark only the latest of a long string of incidents hinting at growing lawlessness along the country’s border with Iran.

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