ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq – Iraq’s National Intelligence Service on Sunday announced the seizure of 30 containers of highly-dangerous chemicals at the Umm Qasr Port, near Basra.

“Based on precise intelligence, detachments of the National Intelligence Service at Umm Qasr Port seized 30 containers containing highly-dangerous chemicals,” the service said in a statement.

The intelligence body added that the containers were imported without official permits and “in violation of import regulations.”

“The operation was carried out based on judicial orders and in coordination with the Border Ports Authority,” the statement noted, adding that the seized materials were handed to relevant authorities.

Based in the city of Umm Qasr, the port is Iraq’s only deep water port, as well as the country’s second largest port in terms of size, second only to Basra’s.

Iraq’s security and intelligence bodies routinely conduct security operations, aimed at seizing illicit materials and goods intended for smuggling across the country.

In August, the Iraqi National Security Service (INSS) announced seizing more than 60 tons of goods illegally imported into the country.

In 2024, The Iraqi customs office announced conducting over 7,500 operations at the country's border crossings, seizing several smuggled goods, including approximately 3.5 million captagon pills.