Baghdad: An attempt to smuggle 24 tons of molasses and 670 kg of hookah charcoal was thwarted at the Zarbatia border crossing. The Zurbatiya border crossing directorate seized a truck loaded with large quantities of molasses tobacco and hookah charcoal intended for smuggling, following precise intelligence indicating the smugglers’ intention to alter the goods’ description to pass them through the crossing.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Border Ports Authority stated in a press release: “The seizure was carried out in cooperation with the Land Transport Office, which identified the vehicle’s license plate and the name of the transport company and tracked its location.” The statement added that after obtaining approval from the Badra investigating judge, the truck was monitored and seized in coordination with the National Intelligence Service as it attempted to change its location.

The statement further indicated that an expanded committee was formed to inspect the cargo, which was found to contain 24 tons and 350 kg of molasses tobacco, in addition to 670 kg of hookah charcoal in 67 cartons. The estimated value of the public funds lost due to customs evasion exceeds 47 million Iraqi dinars, excluding tax fees. A seizure report was prepared, and the vehicle was duly transferred to the Zurbatiya Customs Police Station to be presented to the investigating judge in Badra to take the necessary legal measures against those involved.