Members of Iraq's security forces
Ongoing crackdown
Truck carrying alcoholic beverages seized in northern Nineveh
NINEVEH — The Iraq’s General Authority of Customs announced Tuesday that officers in the Northern Customs Investigation Department intercepted a large quantity of alcoholic beverages being “smuggled” in violation of applicable laws.
According to a statement, customs officers, in coordination with the National Intelligence Service and other local security agencies, foiled what was described as a “unique and sophisticated” smuggling attempt in Nineveh.
Officials inspected a Scania truck and found a “large amount” of alcoholic beverages hidden inside wooden panels, the exact quantity not being disclosed. “The cargo was professionally concealed in an attempt to smuggle it in violation of the current laws and regulations,” the statement read.
Authorities obtained a judicial order and took legal action against the case. The statement emphasized the security forces in “protecting national security and strengthening economic stability,” adding that the operation underscored “the importance of effective cooperation and coordination with security agencies.”
Similar operations have been reported in recent months. In late December 2024, Iraqi security forces intercepted two major smuggling attempts at checkpoints in southern Tuz Khurmatu, Salah Al-Din, seizing large quantities of expired honey and alcoholic beverages, and arresting several individuals involved in the operations. Earlier this month, Tuz Khurmatu police seized a vehicle carrying a quantity of alcoholic beverages bound for Baghdad, with the driver arrested for further investigation.
The smuggling attempt comes as Iraqi authorities intensify enforcement against alcohol vendors nationwide. In late December 2024, Baghdad Operations Command closed six unlicensed liquor shops in the Al-Jamia neighborhood on the city’s western side, part of ongoing efforts to enforce a 2016 law banning the import, production and sale of alcoholic beverages in Iraq. Increased enforcement of the law has recently raised concerns among minority communities, including Christians and Yazidis, who have historically operated many of these businesses.
