Baghdad: The Border Ports Authority announced on Thursday that it recorded 440 violations and arrested 128 suspects during August, reaffirming the continuation of its oversight measures to safeguard the country’s security and economy and protect citizens’ health.

According to Iraqi News Agency, the Authority’s spokesperson, Alaa Al-Din Al-Qaisi, stated that the monthly briefing for August included 440 violations, with 183 customs cases referred by border ports to the judiciary due to customs violations. Joint activities with departments operating at the ports recorded 50 violations, involving destruction of materials and re-export procedures.

Al-Qaisi also revealed that the Authority’s personnel arrested 128 suspects wanted under judicial arrest warrants, with 56 individuals deported for violating residency requirements. Additionally, the Authority thwarted two attempts to smuggle funds and seized narcotic substances, stopping 21 attempts to smuggle narcotics.

He further expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi for his support, and praised the fair Iraqi judiciary for enforcing the law. Thanks were also extended to Lieutenant General Saad Maan, Head of the Security Media Commission, for their roles in supporting the Authority’s efforts.

Al-Qaisi emphasized that the Border Ports Authority remains committed to protecting the nation’s security, economy, and citizens’ health through collaboration with security agencies and other departments at the ports, serving the interests of the country and its people.