Baghdad: The Border Forces Command thwarted two drug smuggling attempts using balloons along the Iraqi international border west of Anbar province: The Command stated in a press release that detachments from the 3rd and 1st Regiments of the 6th Border Brigade, in two separate operations, detected two balloons using thermal cameras, intercepted them, and brought them down. The balloons were carrying 37 kg and 9 kg of drugs, respectively, totaling 262,000 pills.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the successful interception of these drug-laden balloons highlights the ongoing efforts of the Border Forces to combat drug smuggling activities along Iraq’s borders. The use of thermal cameras in these operations has proven effective in detecting and neutralizing the unconventional method of drug transportation attempted by smugglers.

This operation underscores the commitment of the Border Forces Command to safeguarding the region from the infiltration of illegal substances. The discovery and seizure of such a significant quantity of drugs are likely to impact drug trafficking networks operating in and around the border areas of Anbar province.