Authorities arrest arms dealer, seize firearms and ammunition in Wasit. (Photo: Wasit Police)
Following ambush
Police in Wasit arrest arms dealer, seize five firearms and ten ammunition magazines
WASIT — Police in Wasit Governorate arrested an arms dealer on Friday, seizing five firearms and ten ammunition magazines, according to a police statement.
Officers from the Organized Crime Directorate, in coordination with Wasit police, acted on intelligence regarding the suspect’s activities and set up a planned ambush that led to his arrest.
The suspect “confessed” to arms trafficking, the statement said. Authorities have taken legal action and detained him.
Iraqi law imposes severe penalties on unauthorized arms dealings. Article 24 of Arms Law No. 51 of 2017 mandates harsh punishments—including potential life imprisonment or death for those involved in smuggling or manufacturing military weapons if linked to terrorism or public security threats. Additionally, Article 3 of the same law imposes penalties of up to one year in prison and fines ranging from 500,000 to 1,000,000 dinars ($382 to $764) for anyone dealing in firearms or ammunition without a license.
