BAGHDAD, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- The Iraqi military intelligence forces intercepted a drug smuggling attempt in the country's western desert, seizing about 250,000 narcotic pills, the Iraqi Defense Ministry said in a statement on Tuesday.

Those involved in the attempt had prepared to smuggle the drugs using a balloon equipped with a tracking device, the statement read.

The forensic investigation unit is continuing its legal procedures and will refer the case to the competent authorities in accordance with applicable laws, it said.

Years of chaos and conflict following the 2003 U.S.-led invasion have hindered Iraq's efforts to combat narcotics. The Iraqi government has stated that drug trafficking remains a key source of funding for terrorism. ■

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