Baghdad: Border forces foiled an attempt to smuggle 18 kg of drugs via balloon in western Anbar province. The Border Command stated in a press release: "Detachments from the 3rd Regiment of the 6th Border Brigade thwarted an attempt to smuggle a large quantity of narcotic pills weighing 18 kg, which were being transported by balloon across the border strip west of Anbar province."

According to National Iraqi News Agency, it added: "Ninety-eight bags were found, each containing 1,000 narcotic pills. The smuggled materials were seized, a formal seizure report was prepared, and the necessary legal measures were taken."