Iraq raids prisons, seizes 651 phones and 314 SIM lines

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's National Security Advisory said Monday that security teams carried out coordinated searches across several prisons, seizing 651 mobile phones and 314 telephone lines hidden in various locations. The operations were conducted in coordination with the Reform Department, which operates under the Ministry of Justice. According to the advisory, the raids were aimed at strengthening security measures and preventing the smuggling of banned substances into the facilities. The statement did not identify the prisons involved or specify when the searches were carried out. Separately, security forces in Basra arrested a man described as the main drug trafficker responsible for smuggling narcotics into prisons, following intelligence work targeting organized crime networks. Nine additional suspects linked to him were also detained. The investigation revealed ties to a previously apprehended group, according to the advisory. Officials said inspections of prisons would continue and that similar operations would be carried out in the future.