Kanaan: The Diyala Health Department announced the seizure of approximately 390,000 smuggled pharmaceutical items in the Kanaan district, in cooperation with security forces.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the department stated this in a press release. The operation was carried out under the direction of the Director General of the Diyala Health Department, within the framework of joint cooperation between the Inspection Department/Private Health Institutions Inspection Division and health detachments, and in coordination with detachments from the National Security Directorate in Baquba District.

The statement added that "the operation was based on precise information, as detachments from the National Security Directorate were able to set up a well-planned ambush for a vehicle loaded with smuggled medicines in one of the villages of Kanaan sub-district, east of Baquba, resulting in its seizure and the arrest of the violator. Health detachments and the Inspection Department then undertook the procedures for examining and verifying the seized items."

It indicated that "the initial inventory results showed the seizure of approximately 390,000 smuggled pharmaceutical units, in one of the largest seizures aimed at curbing the circulation of medicines not subject to health regulations."

The Diyala Health Department affirmed the continuation of monitoring and inspection campaigns in coordination with security agencies and supporting bodies, to prevent the circulation of smuggled and unregulated medicines, and to take legal action against violators, thus contributing to protecting the health of citizens and ensuring the safety of medicines circulating in the markets.