Iraqi security forces intercept drug smuggling operation in Basra

BASRA — The Iraqi National Security Service in Basra has intercepted a drug smuggling operation involving narcotics concealed in baby formula containers, according to a statement from the agency.

Security forces uncovered crystal meth hidden in the containers. “Once again, the National Security men have thwarted the drug dealers’ attempts, who resort to various methods each time to smuggle narcotics,” the statement read.

The agency reported the arrest of two foreign nationals, a man and a woman, found in possession of the drugs. “Our teams in Basra managed to apprehend two traffickers caught with quantities of crystal meth, which they attempted to hide in baby formula containers,” the agency added.

Drug traffickers have been employing increasingly inventive methods to evade law enforcement. On March 29, the Iraqi National Security Service revealed a previous smuggling tactic where narcotics were concealed inside walnut shells, leading to the arrest of those involved.

In a related statement, the agency confirmed that the suspects detained in Basra are members of a larger drug trafficking network involving 11 individuals operating across multiple governorates, including Basra, Baghdad, Al-Diwaniyah, and Kut.

On Aug. 31, Iraq’s Ministry of Interior announced that 311 local and international drug traffickers have been sentenced to death or life imprisonment this year, underscoring the country’s intensifying crackdown on narcotics.

On July 28, the Ministry of Interior announced plans to establish a regional drug control operations center in Baghdad, following a meeting of interior ministers from neighboring countries. The ministry also released updated statistics on drug seizures over the past seven months.

Maj. Gen. Muhannad Hatim, director of the Legal Affairs Department at the Directorate for Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances Affairs, told the Iraqi News Agency that “the total seized amounts of narcotics, including hashish, crystal meth, Captagon, and others, reached approximately two tons and 20 kilograms. Nearly 8,000 suspects, including users, dealers, and traffickers, have been arrested since the beginning of the year.”

According to Article 27 of Iraq’s Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances Law, individuals found guilty of importing, transporting, or exporting narcotics or psychotropic substances for trade outside of legally permitted conditions may face the death penalty or life imprisonment.