The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Libya’s Butnan region has arrested 36 irregular migrants of various nationalities after uncovering a human-smuggling hideout in the Ain Al-Ghazala area.
The operation was carried out following precise intelligence work and marks another step in the authorities’ ongoing efforts to dismantle smuggling networks operating along the eastern coastline.
According to a statement issued by the Butnan CID branch, the operation began when investigators received detailed information from the department’s surveillance and apprehension unit about suspicious activity at a property believed to be used for migrant smuggling.
The location, a deteriorated house near the coast, was reportedly serving as a temporary holding site for migrants awaiting illegal transport.
Immediately after verifying the intelligence, the CID deployed a reinforced field team supported by eight patrol vehicles to raid the site. Officers entered the building and found 36 migrants inside, all held in poor conditions as they awaited movement toward Libya’s northern shores.
Authorities described the group as belonging to several nationalities, reflecting the diverse flow of migrants transiting through eastern Libya.
All detainees were transferred to CID headquarters for legal processing, documentation, and health assessments. Officials confirmed that the migrants will be handed over to the relevant authorities in accordance with Libyan law and established procedures governing irregular migration cases.
The CID emphasized that the operation demonstrates its commitment to combating human smuggling and addressing the exploitation of migrants by criminal networks. Security officials noted that such hideouts pose serious risks, not only to the migrants who are often exposed to dangerous and inhumane conditions, but also to nearby communities affected by trafficking routes and related criminal activities.
Authorities in Butnan reiterated their intention to intensify operations in coordination with other security agencies to disrupt smuggling cells across eastern Libya. They urged citizens to report suspicious behavior, stressing that public cooperation is crucial to identifying and shutting down illegal migration hubs.
