Egyptian Navy foils drug smuggling attempts in Mediterranean, Red Seas

CAIRO - 6 December 2024: As part of the Armed Forces' directive to secure Egypt’s borders across all strategic directions, the Egyptian Navy successfully intercepted two drug smuggling operations in the Mediterranean and Red Seas. These efforts reflect ongoing initiatives to safeguard the nation’s coasts.

In the Mediterranean, a naval unit from the July 3 Naval Base thwarted a drug smuggling attempt involving a fishing vessel that entered Egyptian territorial waters illegally. The vessel failed to comply with orders to stop, resulting in an exchange of gunfire. After gaining control of the ship, naval forces detained three individuals on board and seized large quantities of various narcotics.

In the Red Sea, naval forces disrupted an attempt to smuggle significant quantities of hashish. Following a report about suspicious smuggling activities, two naval units from the Red Sea Naval Base intercepted a fishing vessel. Two individuals were arrested, and substantial amounts of hashish were confiscated.

The arrested individuals and seized narcotics have been handed over to the relevant authorities for legal proceedings. These operations highlight the navy's unwavering commitment to combating illegal activities and ensuring maritime security along Egypt’s coastlines.