Iraq’s National Security Service announced on Friday that it had dismantled a network involved in stealing and smuggling crude oil in Muthanna Governorate, following the detection of illegal breaches in a strategic pipeline. Meanwhile, three suspects accused of drug trafficking were arrested in Kirkuk.
The service said the operation was launched after intelligence from the Basra and Muthanna security directorates identified suspicious activity linked to crude oil theft. The information was subsequently verified through intelligence and field surveillance extending from Baghdad to Muthanna.
A tactical team identified the site where the alleged theft and smuggling operations were carried out, as well as those involved. Following judicial authorization, security forces raided the location and arrested four suspects, while seizing vehicles allegedly used to transport the stolen oil.
Authorities also discovered a farm near the route of a strategic oil pipeline that was allegedly being used as a base for smuggling operations. Two breaches were found in the pipeline, which runs from southern Iraq toward Haditha and forms part of the country’s northern oil transportation network.
In Kirkuk, Military Intelligence said its forces arrested three suspects accused of trafficking and promoting drugs at the Kirkuk-Erbil checkpoint. Quantities of crystal methamphetamine were reportedly seized from the suspects, who are wanted under Article 28 of Iraq’s Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances Law.
Separately, the Rusafa Police Command in Baghdad announced the arrest of a suspect accused of practicing sorcery and witchcraft. Police said tools and materials allegedly used for such activities were seized, and the suspect was placed in custody pending legal proceedings.
