Kirkuk: The Federal Integrity Commission announced the thwarting of an attempt to smuggle a shipment of imported medical supplies on the road between Kirkuk and Erbil governorates.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the operation was carried out under a judicial warrant by a team from the Kirkuk Investigation Directorate in coordination with Customs Police Intelligence. The team was dispatched to the Darman Customs checkpoint, located on the road linking Kirkuk and Erbil, after receiving intelligence about the manipulation of imported goods' data, which were falsely registered as local products to evade customs duties.

The Commission revealed that the investigation and audit led to the arrest of the truck driver and a customs employee. The authorities seized a Mercedes Actros truck loaded with 8.5 tons of imported medical supplies. The specifications of these supplies had been falsified to make them appear as locally produced items, which was a deliberate attempt to avoid paying the required customs duties. Additionally, these medical supplies are among materials prohibited from importation.

A formal seizure report was prepared in accordance with Article 340 of the Penal Code. The report, along with the accused individuals and the seized goods, was presented to the competent investigating judge to initiate legal proceedings and determine the fate of those involved in the smuggling attempt.