Baghdad: The National Security Service announced the thwarting of major alcohol smuggling operations and the dismantling of smuggling networks in several governorates.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Service reported that, based on precise intelligence and field surveillance, and after obtaining the necessary judicial approvals, detachments in Anbar Governorate executed a successful operation. This operation resulted in foiling an attempt to smuggle large quantities of alcoholic beverages. After setting up a well-planned ambush, the detachments arrested three suspects who were traveling in a semi-trailer truck loaded with the smuggled goods.

The statement continued with details from Kirkuk, where detachments seized a vehicle carrying 850 cartons of unlicensed alcoholic beverages. Additionally, in Muthanna Governorate, an operation led to the arrest of a wanted individual in Samawah District, pursuant to Article 28 of the Alcohol Law.

The statement added that in a subsequent development, and based on information from the Muthanna Security Directorate, agency detachments seized the largest warehouse for alcoholic beverages in the Karrada district of Baghdad. This warehouse was responsible for supplying the central and southern provinces. Approximately 27,000 cartons were discovered, along with large sums of money and various weapons. Six suspects of Iraqi and foreign nationalities were arrested inside the warehouse.

All suspects, vehicles, and seized items were referred to the competent authorities, and the warehouse was placed under legal seizure procedures to take the necessary legal measures against them in accordance with the law.