Maysan governorate: The head of the Border Ports Authority, Lieutenant General Dr. Omar Adnan Al-Waeli, made an unexpected field visit to the Al-Shaib border crossing in Maysan Governorate to supervise the implementation of government directives and ensure their enforcement by all departments at the crossing. This visit underscores the authority’s commitment to confronting smuggling activities and holding accountable any individuals found negligent in their duties.
According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Authority issued a press release detailing that Al-Waeli’s visit included an inspection tour of the crossing’s facilities and departments. This allowed him to directly observe the work procedures, level of discipline, and control over the movement of goods. During an extensive meeting with directors and representatives of the operating departments, Al-Waeli emphasized the critical responsibilities of tightening control, preventing smuggling, protecting public funds, and maximizing non-oil revenues.
Al-Waeli reiterated the importance of full compliance with directives from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, focusing on enhancing security and intelligence operations at border crossings. He instructed security and intelligence agencies to boost their field and intelligence roles, continuously monitor the movement of people and goods, and prevent any prohibited materials or narcotics from passing through the borders. Regular and direct reports to the director of the border crossing, who serves as the head of the intelligence cell, were mandated to ensure accountability in case of security breaches or illegal activities.
On the customs front, Al-Waeli highlighted the obligation of General Authority of Customs employees to perform thorough inspections of all incoming goods without exception. He mandated that no truck be allowed to pass until inspection and verification procedures are complete, ensuring cargo details align with customs documents and declarations.
Al-Waeli also stressed the necessity of deploying officers from the National Intelligence Service and the National Security Service within customs inspection and exchange areas. This measure aims to enhance security and intelligence integration, improve oversight, and prevent the exploitation of border crossings for smuggling or illegal activities.
During the meeting, Al-Waeli highlighted the importance of border crossings as the first line of defense for the state’s security and economy. He emphasized that implementing government directives is a shared responsibility among all operating departments. The current phase demands the highest levels of vigilance and discipline, with no tolerance for lapses in protecting public funds or avenues for smuggling and law violations.
This visit is part of the ongoing field monitoring by the head of the Border Ports Authority, aimed at assessing on-ground realities, addressing shortcomings, and enhancing performance efficiency. These efforts align with the government’s directives to tighten control over border crossings, bolster border security, and maximize non-oil revenues.