Iraqi security forces foil two attempts to smuggle goods in southern Tuz Khurmatu

SALAH AL-DIN — Iraqi security forces say they intercepted two major smuggling attempts early this morning at checkpoints in southern Tuz Khurmatu, seizing large quantities of expired honey and alcoholic beverages. Several individuals involved in the smuggling operations were arrested and transferred to the Tuz Khurmatu police station for further investigation.

Qandeel Khalil, General Commander of Salah al-Din Police, told 964media, “In the first operation, our forces inspected a Mercedes Actros truck and discovered 20 tons of expired honey intended for smuggling from the Kurdistan Region to Baghdad.”

He added, “In the second operation, our forces grew suspicious of a Dodge vehicle at another checkpoint. Upon inspection, a significant quantity of alcohol was found hidden, prepared for smuggling purposes.”

Khalil emphasized that these incidents are part of an ongoing pattern, stating, “Only this month, there have been seven smuggling attempts from the region to Baghdad, all of which were successfully thwarted by the police.”