The General Security and Security Positions Authority announced it had thwarted an attempt to smuggle fuel across Libya’s southern border. The Authority’s patrols intercepted a truck carrying approximately 20,000 litres of smuggled fuel as it headed towards the border.
According to a statement posted on the Authority’s Facebook page on Wednesday, the smugglers had concealed the fuel tanks using a layer of flour.
The smugglers intended to sell the fuel outside Libya, a move that would harm the national economy and threaten the country’s security, the statement added. Fuel smuggling is a significant issue in Libya, contributing to economic instability and fostering illegal activities.
The interception of the fuel truck highlights the ongoing efforts by Libyan security forces to combat smuggling operations that exploit the country’s resources. These operations not only drain the national economy but also pose serious security risks by enabling illegal trade and fuelling corruption.
The General Security and Security Positions Authority stressed the importance of continued vigilance and robust security measures to prevent such activities. The Authority urged citizens to report any suspicious activities to help safeguard the nation’s resources and maintain stability.
This successful operation demonstrates the commitment of Libyan security forces to protecting the country’s interests and ensuring the rule of law. The General Security and Security Positions Authority reiterated its dedication to cracking down on smuggling networks and preserving the integrity of Libya’s borders.
The fight against fuel smuggling is a critical component of broader efforts to stabilize Libya, support economic recovery, and promote lawful commerce. The Authority’s actions serve as a deterrent to smugglers and reinforce the message that illegal activities will not be tolerated.
According to a 2021 Audit Bureau report, smuggling caused $2.5 billion in losses, a figure that has since doubled.
Recently, a young Libyan inventor has received a patent from the Libyan Industrial Research Center for creating an electronic protection device designed to eliminate fuel smuggling through tracking and auditing fuel values from supply to distribution points.
Mohammed Amer, the inventor, explained to Sputnik how his innovation aims to provide a lasting solution to the problem of fuel smuggling, which has inflicted significant losses on the Libyan state. The Libyan government subsidizes fuel prices, making them the cheapest globally, thus attracting smugglers who exploit this for illegal activities.
The device operates with electronic monitoring, starting from oil depots and piers. It features an electronic meter on the valve that counts the liters received, providing a reference number for accurate tracking.
Amer enhanced fuel transportation security by equipping fuel trucks with electronic valves that can only be opened via a control room at designated unloading stations. This system ensures the accurate discharge of fuel at distribution points, preventing tampering or unauthorized diversions.
Further, the device includes a protection mechanism and an electronic reader on fuel dispensers at stations. This reader scans vehicle data when the nozzle is inserted into the tank, determining the required fuel amount and closing all potential loopholes for smuggling.
