Security services at Tunis-Carthage airport foiled a major drug trafficking attempt involving foreign nationals. More than nine kilograms of cocaine were seized after a coordinated operation between police, customs and judicial authorities.
An international network dismantled upon the arrival of a flight
Border police services at Tunis-Carthage airport recently foiled a large-scale smuggling operation. The intervention led to the seizure of 627 capsules of raw cocaine, with a total weight exceeding nine kilograms, and the arrest of members of a foreign network specializing in drug trafficking.
According to the first elements of the investigation, the network is made up of nationals from sub-Saharan African countries, suspected of transporting drugs to Tunisia via air border points.
Suspicious behavior
The operation was triggered after the identification of seven African passengers who arrived on board a national airline flight on December 19. Their attitude, considered abnormally nervous, attracted the attention of the agents, who proceeded to intercept them and carry out an initial interrogation.
The suspects initially denied possessing prohibited substances or suspicious objects. A thorough check of their luggage and personal effects was then ordered by the customs services.
Capsules ingested before arrival in Tunisia
Checks established that two of the suspects had ingested significant quantities of drugs packaged in capsule form before their arrival on Tunisian territory. The other individuals initially denied having made similar ingestions.
The seven people were transferred to the judicial research brigade for continued investigations, under the supervision of the prosecution.
On instructions from the public prosecutor, the suspects were taken to the Charles Nicolle hospital in Tunis to undergo medical imaging examinations. The results confirmed that all of the individuals had ingested a significant number of capsules containing cocaine.
In addition to the drugs, the police seized a sum of money in foreign currencies. The investigation also made it possible to identify Tunisian accomplices operating on the national territory, now wanted and included on the lists of people subject to a wanted notice.
This operation is part of ongoing efforts to combat international criminal networks involved in drug trafficking and other forms of cross-border crime. Security authorities are strengthening surveillance of passengers arriving in Tunisia in order to prevent the introduction of illicit substances into the territory.
Read also
