Egypt thwarts LE 1B drug smuggling attempt at port

CAIRO – 19 November 2024: Egyptian security forces have successfully foiled a major attempt to smuggle a large quantity of Captagon, a highly addictive amphetamine-type stimulant, out of the country through one of Egypt's seaports. The estimated value of the seized drugs exceeds one billion Egyptian pounds.

This latest operation highlights the Egyptian authorities' ongoing commitment to combating drug trafficking and underscores their success in thwarting such criminal activities. By preventing these illicit substances from reaching international markets, Egypt is playing a crucial role in the global fight against drug trafficking.

Intelligence gathered by the General Administration for Drug Control, in coordination with the National Security and General Security sectors, indicated that a dangerous criminal gang was planning to smuggle a large shipment of Captagon to another country using a refrigerated truck.

Following meticulous planning and surveillance, security forces were able to apprehend one of the gang members at the port. Using advanced techniques, authorities discovered a sophisticated concealment system within the truck's air compressor cylinders, where the Captagon pills were hidden.

A total of 800,000 Captagon pills were seized, with an estimated street value of over one billion Egyptian pounds. Subsequent investigations led to the arrest of four additional gang members. International arrest warrants have been issued for two other gang members who hold foreign nationalities.