Baghdad: A smuggling attempt involving human medicines was thwarted at the Umm Qasr North Port. The Border Ports Authority announced the successful prevention of this smuggling effort, which involved three 40-foot containers at the Basra port.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Border Ports Authority stated that the operation was conducted by detachments from the Umm Qasr North Port Directorate. This effort was in cooperation with other relevant departments and was carried out after obtaining approval from the investigating judge. The containers were found to contain various medical medicines hidden behind declared goods, intended for smuggling purposes.

The medicines in question lacked the necessary import approvals from the Ministry of Health and did not have documentation confirming their compliance with Iraqi standards or their suitability for medical use. Additionally, it was noted that the containers were unrefrigerated, raising further concerns about the safety and quality of the medicines.

A formal seizure report was prepared by the authorities, and the seized items were referred to the Umm Qasr North Customs Police Station for appropriate legal action.