The National Security Agency thwarted major smuggling operations of alcoholic beverages today, Monday, and dismantled their networks in several provinces based on accurate intelligence information and field monitoring after obtaining the necessary judicial approvals.
The agency stated in a statement received by the Video News Agency that its detachments in Al-Anbar province carried out a quality operation that resulted in thwarting an attempt to smuggle large quantities of alcoholic beverages after setting up a tight ambush, leading to the arrest of three suspects traveling in a vehicle loaded with smuggled goods unlawfully.
The statement added that the agency's detachments in Kirkuk managed to seize a vehicle carrying eight hundred and fifty cartons of unlicensed alcoholic beverages, while detachments in Al-Muthanna province executed a mission that resulted in the arrest of one wanted individual in Al-Samawah according to Article twenty-eight of the Alcoholic Beverages Law.
The statement continued that based on information from the Al-Muthanna Security Directorate, the detachments were able to seize the largest alcohol storage in Karada, Baghdad, which supplies the central and southern provinces, containing about twenty-seven thousand cartons, in addition to seizing large sums of money and various weapons, and arresting six suspects of Iraqi and foreign nationalities inside the storage, confirming the referral of all suspects and seized items to the relevant authorities for legal action against them.