Approximately 50 kilos of heroin was seized at the Trebil Port-of-Entry after it was discovered concealed in a BMW sedan traveling from Iraq to Syria, Jan 2. 

The outbound-traffic Z Backscatter Van operator noticed irregularities while X-ray scanning the vehicle and referred it for further examination. 

The driver of the vehicle attempted to bribe the Customs Police Officer with $10,000, but the ploy was unsuccessful.

The ZBV system used by Iraq’s POE personnel can be operated in drive-by or stationary mode and produces X-ray images of vehicles as they pass.  One or two operators can conduct X-ray imaging of suspect vehicles and objects and can even screen remotely while the ZBV is parked.  Multi-National Security Transition Command- Iraq (MNSTC-I) played a large role in the funding, procurement and maintenance of the ZBVs.

This represents a significant success for the Iraqi Border Security Force, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Border Support Team 12, and the POE Transition Team.

The training team has been training Iraqi personnel not only on POE operations, but also in ethics and anti-corruption efforts.  BST 12 serves at several POEs in Iraq under a memorandum of understanding between the DHS and MNSTC-I. The program is funded through the Iraqi Security Force Funds managed by MNSTC-I.