Iraq.. National Security Dismantles Oil Theft Network and Arrests Drug Dealers

Iraq’s National Security Service announced on Friday the dismantling of a network involved in stealing and smuggling crude oil in Muthanna Governorate, while three suspects accused of drug trafficking and promotion were arrested in Kirkuk. Baghdad police also detained a man accused of practicing sorcery and witchcraft.

According to a statement, the oil-smuggling operation was launched based on intelligence provided by the Basra and Muthanna security directorates. The information was verified through intelligence and field operations, leading security teams to identify the location of the network and those involved in the smuggling activities.

The service said that, after obtaining judicial approvals, its forces raided the site and arrested four suspects. Several vehicles used to transport the stolen oil were seized, along with a farm that had allegedly been used as a base for smuggling operations near a strategic oil pipeline extending from southern Iraq toward Haditha. Two breaches were also detected in the pipeline.

In Kirkuk, Military Intelligence announced the arrest of three suspects accused of drug trafficking and promotion during an operation at the Kirkuk-Erbil checkpoint. Authorities said quantities of crystal methamphetamine were found in their possession and that the suspects were wanted under Article 28 of Iraq’s Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances Law.

Meanwhile, the Baghdad Rusafa Police Command announced the arrest of a suspect accused of practicing sorcery and witchcraft in one of Rusafa’s areas. Police said various tools and materials allegedly used in such practices were seized, adding that the suspect was detained and referred to the competent authorities for legal action.