Major Smuggling Operation Foiled at Umm Qasr Port

A major smuggling operation was foiled at Umm Qasr Port after a raid led by Border Ports Commission Chairman Lt. Gen. Omer Adnan al-Waili uncovered large quantities of illegal goods hidden among low-value cargo. The operation exposed one of the most dangerous recent smuggling attempts, aimed at evading customs duties and bypassing Ministry of Health approvals. Inspectors seized large amounts of pharmaceuticals that were years past their production dates, including paracetamol tablets and ampoules, as well as various vitamins, medical devices, oxygen inhalation equipment and serum bags in different sizes. They also found more than 15,000 mobile phones, numerous iPads and 2,000 Apple-brand headphones concealed inside containers mixed with low-value items. The operation also led to the seizure of a training aircraft that had remained unclaimed by its owner for five months after arriving at the port. Banned-model vehicles, dismantled car parts and motorcycles were also confiscated by the teams. Al-Waili said the commission would continue an uncompromising campaign against smuggling networks that target the national economy and threaten public safety. Legal action has been launched in coordination with the relevant authorities against the seized materials and those responsible.