Exclusive: Al-Maqouri: Shipment Suspected of Containing 4,752 Kilograms of Narcotics Seized at Misrata Free Zone Port

The spokesperson for the Customs Authority, Fahmi Al-Maqouri, told our source exclusively that, as part of the ongoing efforts by the Customs Authority to combat smuggling and confront all forms of transnational organized crime, officers at the Misrata Free Zone Port Customs Center, in coordination with judicial authorities, succeeded in seizing a shipment suspected of containing narcotic substances carefully concealed inside two containers imported through Misrata Free Zone Port.

He explained that the case began when the Misrata Free Zone Port Customs Center received precise intelligence indicating the existence of a shipment consisting of two 40-foot containers declared as containing calcium carbonate (white lime), while being suspected of carrying prohibited substances. Customs authorities at the center initiated monitoring, surveillance, and investigative procedures some time ago. It was determined that the shipment had been received for transport from the Port of Dakar in the Republic of Senegal on 20 April 2026 and departed on 6 May 2026 aboard a cargo vessel.

He added that during the technical tracking of the shipment through electronic systems and container-tracking programs, monitoring signals were lost between 7 May and 16 May 2026 while the shipment was near the Port of Tangier in Morocco. This interruption lasted approximately nine days before the shipment’s route reappeared.

Tracking data also showed that the shipment departed Tangier Port on 28 May 2026 heading to Malta before arriving at Misrata Free Zone Port on 17 June 2026.

He noted that immediately after the shipment arrived and was unloaded into the customs yard on the same day, precautionary measures were taken and the relevant authorities at the port were informed. The shipment was placed under custody in a designated warehouse pending the completion of inspection procedures.

He further stated that on 22 June 2026, while the customs broker was processing paperwork to release the shipment, a special inspection committee was formed under strict confidentiality by order of the center’s director. The committee included representatives from the East Misrata Anti-Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances Prosecution Office, the Trace Unit, and the Container Monitoring Room. The committee then conducted a comprehensive and meticulous inspection of the entire shipment.

According to Al-Maqouri, the inspection revealed that each of the four containers contained 44 drums loaded with calcium carbonate bags. Suspected cannabis (hashish) was discovered carefully concealed inside 66 drums within the shipment. Based on the preliminary inspection, each drum contained one bundle, each bundle consisted of 72 packages, and each package contained five pieces wrapped in nylon. The total quantity seized amounted to 4,752 kilograms suspected of being narcotic substances.

He pointed out that immediately after the discovery, all necessary legal procedures were taken. The entire shipment was confiscated following instructions from the Public Prosecutor’s Office, and the customs declarant and other related parties were referred to the competent authorities to continue investigations and uncover all circumstances of the case and those involved.

Al-Maqouri added:

“We must salute the customs officers at the Misrata Free Zone Port Customs Center, both leadership and staff, for this tremendous effort, which reflects their vigilance and patriotism, for which sacrifices are made.”

The Customs Authority affirmed its continued commitment to carrying out its national duty to protect the country from the dangers of smuggling and organized crime, strengthen oversight at customs ports, and cooperate with all relevant security and judicial agencies.