A Libyan criminal court has sentenced three individuals to death by firing squad after convicting them of smuggling and trafficking large quantities of narcotic pills, in a ruling that underscores ongoing efforts to combat drug crime in the country.
The verdict was issued by the Zintan Criminal Court, which found the defendants guilty of transporting 741,481 psychotropic tablets through the southern city of Murzuq. Prosecutors said the group operated as part of an organised criminal network focused on moving illicit substances across Libya.
“The court delivered its ruling based on strong evidence presented by the prosecution,” an official statement from the Office of the Attorney General said. The three men were also sentenced to seven years in prison for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.
In addition to the prison terms and death sentences, the court ordered the confiscation of the seized drugs and the vehicles used in the trafficking operation. Authorities described the case as one of the largest recent seizures involving psychotropic substances in southern Libya.
The case reflects broader concerns about the spread of drug trafficking networks in Libya, particularly in remote regions where border controls remain weak. Smuggling routes across the south are often used by criminal groups to move drugs, weapons, and migrants.
For local communities, the rise in drug trafficking has increased fears over public safety and social stability. Officials warn that the availability of such substances poses a growing threat, especially to young people.
Libya continues to face significant security challenges following years of conflict and political division. Weak institutional control has allowed organised crime networks to expand their operations across different regions.
Authorities say they are intensifying efforts to dismantle these networks, but challenges remain. Limited resources, vast desert borders, and fragmented security structures continue to hinder enforcement efforts.