The Libyan Ministry of Interior, under the Government of National Unity (GNU), has disclosed the arrest of a criminal gang implicated in drug trafficking activities stretching from Libya to Algeria. The operation, led by the Border Investigations Office of the Western Border Region’s Criminal Investigation Department, was based on precise intelligence and legal authorization from the relevant prosecutorial body.
The arrests involved two individuals of dual Arab nationalities found in possession of 32 pieces of cannabis, totaling 3200 grams, a firearm, and documents related to smuggling operations. The suspects, who have prior criminal convictions with sentences over ten years in their home countries, confessed to their crimes during interrogation. They are set to face legal proceedings and will be transferred to the competent prosecution authority.
In a related effort, the Libyan Anti-Narcotics Agency, in conjunction with the Libyan National Army, achieved a significant milestone by intercepting a large cocaine shipment at Benghazi’s seaport. The operation, which resulted in the country’s largest cocaine haul to date, was initiated based on intelligence from Saudi Arabia’s Drug Enforcement Directorate regarding a suspicious shipment from Ecuador, claimed to contain bananas, on 29 February 2024.
An investigation into the cargo led to the uncovering of about 128 kg of raw cocaine, hidden within the container’s flooring, potentially yielding 640 kg when processed. The discovery was aided by sniffer dogs and an X-ray scanner, despite the containers having passed initial inspections. One customs service member has been arrested in connection with this case, with the investigation ongoing to dismantle the broader smuggling network.
Furthermore, the Libyan Attorney General’s Office reported last month the capture of over 8 million Pregabalin pills hidden in a shipping container from India at the Port of Benghazi. These concerted actions by Libyan authorities highlight the persistent challenges and their commitment to curbing the flow of illegal drugs into and through the country.
