The 444th Brigade, affiliated with Libya’s Government of National Unity (GNU), announced on Sunday that it successfully intercepted four fuel trucks being smuggled through the desert.
In a statement, the brigade detailed how its units had tracked a convoy of smugglers, eventually seizing four trucks loaded with fuel intended for illegal transport.
Despite the harsh desert climate and challenging terrain, brigade members continue to pursue smugglers and outlaws. The brigade emphasized its commitment to combating illegal activities that undermine Libya’s stability and economy.
Fuel smuggling has been a significant issue in Libya, contributing to shortages and economic instability. The 444th Brigade’s actions highlight ongoing efforts to curb such illicit activities and ensure that resources benefit the local population.
The operation is part of a broader strategy to enforce the rule of law and maintain security in remote regions of Libya. The brigade’s success demonstrates the effectiveness of targeted operations against smuggling networks.
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.
