SULAIMANI (ESTA) — Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani has ordered the deployment of Asayish (security forces) to two main border crossings with Iran to prevent smuggling, a senior source said on Sunday.
The source with knowledge of the matter told Esta Media Network that Sulaimani Asayish operations forces would be deployed to Bashmakh and Parvez Khan border crossings as well as several other customs points on Monday.
“The deployment of those forces is to confront smuggling and law breakers and those who work outside the instructions and decisions of the government,” the source said.
“This step is an important start for reform and the rule of law and to protect public rights,” it added.
In July, six people were detained on smuggling charges at Bashmakh border crossing following decisions made by the deputy prime minister and co-president of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) Bafel Talabani to end smuggling on the borders.
The decisions made by Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani and PUK Co-president Bafel Talabani were to further control trade on the border crossings, said supervisor of Baskhmakh border crossing Major General Mariwan Sheikh Kamal.
“They have had a good impact on the prevention of smuggling,” he told Esta Media Network.
Both the deputy premier and the PUK co-president have begun steps to do reform and end corruption and smuggling through Sulaimani airport and border crossings in the province.
Lawmaker Ali Hama Salih said smuggling had decreased at the border crossing, hoping authorities would stop it permanently.
