Iraq arrests 8 suspects in Baghdad and Salahuddin smuggling raids

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's National Security Service said eight suspects were detained and six trucks seized in two separate operations carried out Thursday in northern Baghdad and Salahuddin governorate based on intelligence and judicial warrants. In Baghdad, the agency said security forces set up ambushes and intercepted trucks carrying smuggled goods. A large quantity of illegal human medications hidden beneath cleaning supplies was found in one vehicle, while contraband cigarettes were discovered in another. In Salahaddin, four trucks traveling from the Kurdistan Region toward Baghdad were stopped, the statement said. Two of the trucks were carrying 97 barrels of motor oil, with customs documents showing discrepancies between the declared origin and the actual cargo. The other two trucks held 3,226 cartons of smuggled cigarettes concealed under food products. The suspects and seized materials were referred to the relevant judicial authorities to complete legal proceedings, according to the National Security Service.