The head of the Border Ports Authority, Major General Omar Adnan Al-Waeli, conducted a surprise field visit today, Sunday, to the Al-Shayb border crossing in Maysan province, to follow up on the implementation of government directives and to assess how they are being applied by the agencies working at the crossing, emphasizing that there will be no leniency with smuggling or any shortcomings in protecting public funds.
The authority stated in a statement received by the "News Video Agency" that "the visit included a tour of the yards and sections of the crossing to observe work procedures and the discipline of goods movement, followed by an expanded meeting with the directors and representatives of the working agencies."
Al-Waeli stressed that tightening control over the crossing, preventing smuggling, and maximizing non-oil revenues are direct responsibilities that cannot be taken lightly, directing the security and intelligence agencies to activate their field role within the crossing, continuously monitoring the movement of individuals and goods, and ensuring the prevention of the passage of prohibited materials and drugs, while submitting periodic and direct reports to the crossing director, in his capacity as head of the intelligence cell.
He affirmed that the security and intelligence agencies bear their legal responsibility in the event of any security breach or illegal crossing, emphasizing the necessity of adhering to the government directives issued by the Office of the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces.
On the customs side, the head of the authority stressed the need to conduct thorough customs inspections for all incoming goods without exception, and not allowing any truck to pass before completing the inspection and actual verification procedures and matching the load with the documents and customs statements.
He also directed the necessity of having officers from the National Intelligence Service and the National Security Service present in the customs inspection and exchange areas to enhance security and intelligence integration and to prevent the use of the crossing for passing prohibited materials or engaging in any illegal activities.
Al-Waeli confirmed that border crossings represent the first line of defense for the state's security and economy, and that the current stage requires the highest levels of vigilance and discipline, along with holding accountable anyone proven to be negligent in performing their duties.
This visit is part of the ongoing field monitoring by the Border Ports Authority, aimed at addressing points of failure and improving performance efficiency and enhancing control over the crossings, thus supporting border security and increasing non-oil revenues.