Libyan security forces seized more than 25 kilograms of hashish, during an inspection of imported cars at the Al-Khums seaport, northwest of the country.
The Joint Operations Force said in a statement that the process took place in cooperation with the customs center of Al-Khums seaport, and the police station of the port.
The statement pointed out that the operation “came within the framework of fighting and combating narcotics and psychotropic substances, and within its routine work in monitoring all sea, air, and land ports.”
They confirmed that the inspection and seizure of the drugs took place under the supervision of the competent prosecution. The Prosecution took all legal procedures regarding the seized quantity.
In March, the Customs Center of the Misrata Sea Port announced the seizure of a shipment of drugs of about 1.7 million narcotic tablets, hidden inside a cargo ship.
The Director of the center, Colonel Khaled Al-Dalaa said that the Italian-flagged ship arrived at the port on Sunday, from Belgium. The ship was carrying 4,688 cars on board.
Colonel Al-Dalaa cited “private sources” who informed the Libyan authorities about the illegal shipment. Customs members were able to seize the drugs from inside four vehicles, after an inspection and scanning process.
He added that “the Public Prosecution has seized the shipment to complete the legal procedures.” As well as adding that he expected an increase in the number of tablets discovered, as the inspection process continues. The case was the fourth of its kind this year.
In May 2022, the Head of Libya’s INTERPOL National Central Bureau, Adel Bentaleb claimed that there has been a marked increase in drug traffickers using Libya as a transhipment point. This includes drugs from as far as South America.
INTERPOL has said drugs worth nearly €100 million euros have been seized in Africa and the Middle East, during a large international police operation in March and April of 2021.
