Swedish drug trafficking suspect arrested in Iraq

A 34-year-old Swedish man suspected of extensive drug trafficking has been arrested in Iraq, SVT reports. Police believe he controlled all cocaine sales in Kristinehamn and eastern Värmland.

“We believe his role was that of a local manager in Kristinehamn, where he decided who would sell what and in which towns,” Fredrik Bäcker, head of the local police area, said in a statement.

The man was arrested at the initiative of Iraqi police. He is suspected of exceptionally serious drug offences, a serious drug offence and a serious weapons offence. He is expected to be extradited to Sweden.

Twenty-one people have already been convicted in the extensive drug case, including for serious drug offences, preparation for aggravated public-dangerous devastation and extortion. The case is linked to the 34-year-old, who had previously been remanded in custody in absentia and wanted internationally through Interpol.

A 52-year-old Turkish citizen remains remanded in custody in absentia, suspected, among other things, of arranging the supply of drugs.