Benghazi: Narcotics and Psychotropic Control Agency seized a shipment, which it described as ‘historic,’ carrying the secrets of an international crime in Benghazi seaport.
The agency said in a statement yesterday that its security personnel, in cooperation with military units seized the largest quantity of cocaine in the country’s history, through a qualitative operation in Benghazi seaport, whose value is more than 224 million Libyan dinars.
The agency explained that the seizure came after receiving a report on February 29, 2024 from the contact point of the Saudi General Directorate of Narcotics Control, stating that there was a suspicious shipment of bananas coming from the country of Ecuador, suspected of containing a raw cocaine.
The Agency said in its statement that upon receiving the information, the Investigation Office was tasked with forming a work team to collect information, and coordinate with the prosecution and the Customs Authority, noting that the investigations showed that the shipping p
rocess was carried out in accordance with internationally approved standards.
The agency continued that the next day, the team moved to the port to open the two containers, as it became clear that they were released after they were checked and passed a health examination, but its officers returned them and passed them again through the scanner.
The statement added that when the two containers were checked by ‘trace dogs,’ an amount at approximately (128) kilograms of raw cocaine (equivalent to (640) kilograms after dilution) was found hidden inside the floor of the two containers.
The Agency revealed that following preliminary investigations, the complicity of a member of the Customs Authority was revealed, and one of the suspects was arrested.
It added that the defendants and the drugs were transferred to the Customs Authority Directorate in Benghazi Seaport, highlighting that search and investigation operations are continuing regarding the rest of the network members.
Source: Libyan News Agency
Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry stressed Egypt’s support for all endeavors made by Somalia in various international forums to achieve its security and stability, as well as to preserve the country’s unity and territorial integrity.
Egypt also backs the efforts aimed at strengthening peace and security in the Horn of Africa region, which is a key pillar of regional security, Shoukry said.
The foreign minister made the remarks during his meeting on Tuesday with Somalia’s Acting Foreign Minister Ali Mohamed Omar, who is currently on a visit to Egypt, said Spokesman of the Foreign Ministry Ahmed Abu Zeid.
The two top diplomats stressed keenness to continue close coordination and consultation between their countries on regional and international issues of common concern.
Shoukry and Omar also explored ways of fostering bilateral ties in different fields, added the spokesman.
The foreign minister emphasized that Egypt pays great attention to preserving stability in the Horn of Africa.
Shoukry highlighted the appalling humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and the policy of starvation and targeting civilians pursued by the Israeli occupation, affirming the necessity of reaching an immediate ceasefire in the Palestinian enclave before the holy fasting month of Ramadan.
Both ministers exchanged views on the latest developments in Sudan, as they emphasized the need to take practical measures to secure a sustainable ceasefire in the African country.
The two ministers called for enhancing joint Arab action to resolve the successive crises surrounding the Arab region as soon as possible.
In this regard, Shoukry spotlight the serious repercussions of the current tensions in the Red Sea, which are a result of the crisis in the Gaza Strip.
On his part, the Somali foreign minister expressed his country’s appreciation of Egypt’s support for ensuring the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia.
Omar said Somalia is keen to continue coordination and consultation with Egypt over the issues related to the African continent in general and the Horn of Africa in particular, as well as working to maintain the stability of the navigation movement in the Red Sea.
Source: State Information Service Egypt