Basra: The National Security Service announced today the dismantling of an international drug trafficking network, seizing 8,000 Tramadol pills and 10 kg of marijuana in their possession.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the operation was executed by National Security Service detachments in Basra Governorate, in cooperation with a Coast Guard force. The operation involved the arrest of two foreign suspects following maritime surveillance lasting over 48 hours. These suspects were caught attempting to smuggle the marijuana through territorial waters into the country.

The statement detailed that this operation was part of a series of simultaneous security actions by the Service’s detachments in the governorate. These actions led to the arrest of 11 suspects of various nationalities and the seizure of significant quantities of narcotics.

The first suspect was apprehended in the governorate center with 8,000 Tramadol pills and 135 narcotic capsules. A second suspect was arrested attempting to purchase narcotics, while a third, of foreign nationality, was identified as a financial intermediary for the network, facilitating funds to foreign dealers in a neighboring country.

The investigation further identified and led to the arrest of three local dealers, all caught in the act. This brought the total number of detainees in this network to six suspects.

Additionally, Basra Security Directorate detachments conducted two separate operations. The first involved luring a foreign drug dealer and arresting him in Shatt al-Arab District with 80 grams of crystal meth. The second operation resulted in the arrest of a foreign man and woman transporting crystal meth and marijuana.

All accused individuals were referred to the competent judicial authorities, along with the seized items, for legal proceedings.