From Iran
New Shatt Al-Arab fishing regulations enforced to combat drug smuggling
BASRA — The head of the Fishermen’s Association in Faw, southern Basra, said Thursday that the Border Guard Command has set specific fishing hours in the Shatt al-Arab waters from Ras Al-Bisha upstream to Abu Al-Khaseeb. Under the new rules, fishing is allowed from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., while night fishing is permitted only in the upper Gulf regions. The association has expressed its support for these measures, which aim to curb drug smuggling from Iran.
“Fourth Region Border Guard forces have set fishing hours in the maritime zone from Ras Al-Bisha to Abu Al-Khaseeb, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., to stop any security breaches by individuals with ill intentions,” Sheikh Badran Al-Tamimi, president of the Fishermen’s Association, told 964media. He stressed the association’s commitment to adhering to the security agencies’ guidelines.
Al-Tamimi also mentioned, “Fishing after 6 p.m. in Shatt al-Arab is banned up to the Iraqi border post on the coasts of Ras Al-Bisha. However, fishing within Iraqi territorial waters in the upper Gulf is allowed.”
The policy aims to prevent the misuse of fishing activities by smugglers who disguise themselves as fishermen to conduct illegal operations.
“There have been smuggling operations involving prohibited substances, notably crystal meth, through Shatt al-Arab waters, mainly originating from Iran,” Al-Tamimi added.
He assured that the new directive would not impact the supply of fish to Al-Naqaa Marina and Al-Faw auction.
Col. Zain Al-Abidin Ali, commander of the Border Guard in Al-Faw, emphasized the importance of adhering to these guidelines, stating, “Every fisherman has the right to fish in the Shatt al-Arab waters, but only from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.”
He urged fishermen to comply with security agency directives designed to secure the Al-Faw district.
The Border Forces Command reported the last drug smuggling incident through Basra on Feb. 23, announcing the thwarting of an attempt to smuggle 12 kilograms (26 pounds) of narcotics through the Shatt al-Arab in Basra province.
“Continuing the distinguished security efforts of the Border Forces Command in preventing the entry of drugs and contraband across the borders, and for the second time during this day, the patrols of the Fourth Brigade in the Coastal Borders Brigade thwarted an attempt to smuggle 12 kilograms of narcotics through the Shatt al-Arab in Basra,” the command said in a statement.
It added that “an official report was prepared, and necessary legal measures were taken.”
