Thwarting Major Smuggling Operations in Umm Qasr Port and Confiscating Various Materials

The Iraqi Border Ports Authority announced its success in thwarting a series of major smuggling attempts at Umm Qasr Port in Basra Governorate. These qualitative operations came as a result of intensive field inspection tours supervised by the head of the authority, aiming to detect and seize goods violating customs and legal controls.

The operations resulted in the confiscation of massive quantities of expired and unknown-source medicines and medical supplies, which smugglers attempted to bring in illegally to evade customs duties and necessary health checks. Thousands of electronic devices and smartphones were also seized, professionally hidden inside containers.

The Ports Authority pointed to the seizure of a container containing a training aircraft violating the legally allowed period, in addition to the confiscation of modern cars, spare parts, and motorcycles that do not conform to applicable specifications. The head of the authority confirmed the continuation of security and regulatory efforts to strike smuggling networks and protect the national economy and public health from risks.