Customs Authority Foils Major Smuggling Attempt, Seizes Cigarette-Laden Trucks in the Central Region

The Iraqi Customs Authority announced the thwarting of a massive cigarette smuggling operation, following the seizure of four trucks in the central region that were prepared for smuggling in violation of prevailing laws. In an official statement, the authority explained that the Investigation and Anti-Smuggling Department executed this qualitative operation based on precise field monitoring and intensive intelligence gathering. This step is part of a comprehensive regulatory strategy aimed at tightening control over the movement of goods and combating customs evasion to protect public revenues and support the national economy. The seizure was conducted in high-level coordination with the National Security Service and with direct support from the Customs Police.