Diyala health directorate says 127,000 smuggled medicines seized at provincial entry

DIYALA, Iraq — Diyala's health directorate said its inspection unit stopped a vehicle carrying 127,000 smuggled medicines from entering the provincial capital. Officials said the medicines were transported under unsuitable conditions and failed to meet storage and shipping requirements. The directorate's Private Health Institutions Inspection Branch said the seized shipment had not passed official inspection and posed a public health risk. Authorities described the operation as part of efforts to prevent illegally imported medicines from reaching warehouses and pharmacies. The driver faces legal proceedings, with the case referred to the competent judiciary, the directorate said. It added that inspections would continue in coordination with security agencies to curb medicine smuggling.