Hidden inside walnuts
Unusual drug smuggling technique in Basra
BASRA – Iraq’s National Security Service uncovered an “unusual” drug smuggling scheme involving the concealment of drugs inside walnuts, resulting in the arrest of individuals involved in Basra.
The Service said the 11-person drug trafficking network operating across multiple southern provinces, including Baghdad, Diwaniyah, and Kut.
The operation commenced with the arrest of a key member, caught red-handed with narcotics and identified as a primary transporter between provinces. Subsequent apprehensions of other network members followed suit.
During the crackdown, security forces unearthed quantities of crystal methamphetamine concealed within walnuts, highlighting the inventive tactics utilized by drug trafficking networks to circumvent law enforcement scrutiny.
The discovery sheds light on the persistent challenge of drug trafficking in Iraq, with authorities apprehending 144 international drug traffickers in 2023 alone.
Moreover, raids conducted last year against drug dealers resulted in the seizure of four tons of narcotics, 15 tons of psychotropic substances, along with 1,700 firearms and 1,200 vehicles.
The penalties for drug traffickers in Iraq range from several years’ imprisonment to life sentences and even the death penalty.