Six tons of unlicensed medicine seized in Tuz Khurmatu district

SALAH AL-DIN — Authorities in Tuz Khurmatu district, Salah Al-Din Governorate, say they have seized six tons of unlicensed medical drugs being transported from Erbil to Baghdad, a senior police official confirmed. The district, located about 88 kilometers south of Kirkuk and 180 kilometers north of Baghdad, serves as a strategic checkpoint connecting northern and central Iraq.

“Last night at the northern checkpoint of the district, our forces inspected a cargo vehicle and discovered six tons of various medical drugs. The shipment lacked proper legal documentation and approval from the Ministry of Health, and it appeared intended for illegal transport from Erbil to Baghdad,” said Brig. Hussein Ali, head of Tuz Khurmatu General Police, in a statement to 964media.

“All the seized drugs are now in custody and undergoing examination by relevant authorities to ensure they do not contain narcotic substances. The driver of the vehicle has been arrested and is currently under investigation,” Brig. Ali added.

According to information obtained by 964media, within the last 24 hours alone, security forces in Salah al-Din province intercepted five separate smuggling attempts at various checkpoints. All the drivers involved have been detained, and investigations are ongoing.

On Dec. 30, 2024, Iraqi security forces announced the interception of two significant smuggling operations early in the morning at checkpoints in southern Tuz Khurmatu. The seizures included large quantities of expired honey and alcoholic beverages.