Latest news with #BorderPortsAuthority
Shafaq News
a day ago
- Shafaq News
+1 kg of crystal meth seized at Iraq-Iran border
Shafaq News – Basra Iraq's Border Ports Authority foiled an attempt to smuggle a large quantity of narcotics into the country through a crossing in Basra province, an official revealed on Saturday. Authority spokesperson Alaa Al-Qaisi told Shafaq News that officers at the Shalamcheh border crossing apprehended a foreign traveler carrying 1.4 kilograms of crystal meth concealed inside metal containers in a bid to bring the drugs into Iraq. The suspect was referred along with the seized materials to the Directorate of Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances for legal action, and an official report was filed. The Shalamcheh border crossing is a key international transit point located in southeastern Iraq's Basra province, connecting the country with Iran. It serves as a major gateway for commercial trade, religious pilgrimage, and passenger traffic between the two nations. The crossing is also a focal point for security operations, as it is frequently monitored by Iraqi authorities to prevent smuggling, drug trafficking, and other illicit activities. Iraq lies on key trafficking routes connecting Southwest Asia, the Gulf, and Europe. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has raised concerns about the country's increasing role as a transit point for substances like Captagon and methamphetamine.
Shafaq News
14-06-2025
- Business
- Shafaq News
Iraq-Syria al-Qaim border crossing reopens
Shafaq News/ Iraq's Border Ports Authority announced on Saturday the official reopening of the al-Qaim crossing with Syria. According to the authority, the first Syrian truck entered Iraq after clearing inspection and immigration procedures. Commercial activity will now operate within the designated Iraqi zone under existing regulations. Passenger movement has also resumed to ease travel for Iraqi citizens and streamline border processing, it added. The authority also noted that the reopening is expected to boost the local economy by generating jobs in transport and support sectors, while marking progress in Iraqi-Syrian economic ties, with anticipated gains in trade, revenue, market supply, and border stability. Syria's General Authority for Land and Maritime Border Crossings had earlier confirmed that the al-Bukamal–al-Qaim route would reopen on June 14 for both freight and travelers.
Shafaq News
30-04-2025
- Shafaq News
Iraq moves dangerous chemicals from southern port
Shafaq News/ Iraq seized two containers holding hazardous chemicals, Border Ports Authority announced on Wednesday. The authority's spokesperson, Alaa Al-Qaisi, told Shafaq News that the containers were being transferred to a secure holding area in Al-Haddama, near Umm Qasr in southern Basra province. He affirmed the operation was a 'precautionary measure' to remove dual-use chemical substances—classified under maritime hazardous materials codes—away from populated areas. 'Work is ongoing to relocate new shipments with a high-risk classification, specifically those marked as hazard class 2.1,' he noted, adding that containers deemed lower-risk will be moved to designated storage yards under strict supervision and standard safety measures. Al-Qaisi also pointed out that the committee overseeing chemical containers has stressed the need for improved safety procedures in Iraqi ports and the enforcement of environmental and customs regulations. The discovery of these containers has drawn comparisons to previous deadly incidents, including the recent explosion at Iran's Shahid Rajaee port and the 2020 Beirut port blast.
Shafaq News
09-04-2025
- Business
- Shafaq News
Basra pushes for second border crossing with Iran
Shafaq News/ On Wednesday, local authorities in the Al-Faw district of Basra province submitted a formal request to Iraq's federal government to establish a new border crossing with Iran. The request outlined the proposed crossing as a means to stimulate economic and trade activity between Iraq and Iran, while also creating job opportunities. Basra Governor Asaad Al-Eidani expressed his support for the proposal and instructed the Basra administration to coordinate with Iraq's Ministry of Interior and the Border Ports Authority to begin necessary procedures. The province hosts one main land border crossing with Iran — the Shalamcheh crossing, east of Basra city. The post serves as a vital route for both commercial goods and passenger traffic, particularly during religious pilgrimage seasons when tens of thousands of Iranian visitors travel through it to reach Iraq's holy shrines.
Iraqi News
22-02-2025
- Politics
- Iraqi News
MOI and his Iranian counterpart discuss border security and cooperation in combating drugs
Baghdad - INA Interior Minister Abdul Amir Al-Shammari and his Iranian counterpart Iskandar Momeni discussed, today, Saturday, the security of the joint borders and cooperation in the field of combating drugs, psychotropic substances and organized crime. A statement by the ministry - received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA) - stated that "Interior Minister Abdul Amir Al-Shammari held a meeting with his Iranian counterpart Iskandar Momeni, in the presence of a number of security leaders and officers from both countries, in addition to the head of the Border Ports Authority and the head of the Service Committee for Millions of Visits." The statement added that "the meeting discussed the security of the Iraqi-Iranian borders, and cooperation in the field of combating drugs, psychotropic substances and organized crime." He continued, "The meeting also witnessed the discussion of preparations to receive Arbaeen visitors, in addition to a number of topics of common interest, and the signed agreement on mutual recognition of driving licenses for residents of both countries and other topics related to security fields."
