Two women arrested for allegedly smuggling crystal meth at Shalamcheh border crossing with Iran

BASRA — Iraqi security forces announced on Sunday the arrest of two female travelers—one Iraqi and the other a foreign national—who they alleged were attempting to smuggle over one kilogram of crystal methamphetamine at the Shalamcheh border post, a key crossing between Iraq and Iran in southern Basra.

The Ministry of Interior confirmed in a statement: “The Shalamcheh Border Directorate successfully intercepted and seized more than one kilogram of crystal meth that was professionally concealed in an attempt to smuggle it into the country.”

The statement added, “The drugs were discovered in a thorough search, and the suspects were apprehended on the spot.”

Following the seizure, an official report was filed, and both suspects, along with the confiscated drugs, were handed over to the Shalamcheh Customs Police Station for legal proceedings.

On Dec. 12, four police officers were injured during a pre-dawn operation in Basra’s Maqal district. The officers were attempting to apprehend a suspected drug dealer when the individual, riding a motorcycle, opened fire. Three officers sustained critical injuries, while one suffered moderate wounds. Security forces have launched an intensive manhunt to locate and apprehend the suspect.

Iraq has seen a surge in drug-related crimes, prompting strict measures by authorities. As of November 2024, nearly 8,000 individuals have been arrested on drug-related charges since the start of the year, with authorities confiscating approximately 2.2 tons of various narcotics. The Ministry of Interior reported issuing 140 death sentences and 500 life sentences by August, reflecting the government’s aggressive stance against drug trafficking and distribution networks.

Iraq has also engaged in international collaborations. In November, the United Kingdom and Iraq signed a security agreement aimed at targeting people-smuggling gangs and strengthening border security cooperation. This partnership includes support for Iraqi law enforcement in countering narcotics and other serious organized crimes.