Shafaq News- Basra
Iraq’s Border Ports Commission onFriday seized large quantities of medicines, electronic devices, and otherprohibited goods hidden inside shipping containers during an anti-smugglingoperation at Umm Qasr Port in Basra province.
The commission described theoperation as “one of the most dangerous and largest smuggling attempts”uncovered in recent months. Inspectors discovered human medicines, includingparacetamol tablets and injections, vitamins, oxygen inhalation supplies, andmedical equipment that violated import regulations and had allegedly beenconcealed beneath low-value goods to evade customs duties and mandatoryapprovals from the Health Ministry.
Inspectors also seized more than15,000 mobile phones and iPads, alongside over 2,000 Apple-brand headphones,which were camouflaged among inexpensive materials. The operation furtheruncovered a training aircraft that had remained inside the port for more thanfive months without being claimed, exceeding the legal clearance period,alongside vehicles below the permitted model year, spare parts, dismantledvehicles, and motorcycles.
Legal measures would be takenagainst the confiscated goods and the parties involved, in coordination withrelevant authorities and security agencies.