Libyan military reports seizure of more than 1.3 million narcotic pills in Kufra

The Subul al-Salam infantry brigade seized more than 1.3 million narcotic pills after a firefight with smugglers in southeastern Libya. Three soldiers were wounded, Reuters reported, citing a military statement issued on October 9.

According to a military media unit, the brigade raided hideouts used by traffickers of narcotics and other illicit goods. Kufra lies roughly 1,700 kilometres from Tripoli.

Subul al-Salam operates within the land forces command structure under Khalifa Haftar, who leads the eastern-based Libyan National Army. The military released photographs of bags containing white pills but did not provide a value for the seizure.

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime described Libya in a January report as a major regional transit hub for synthetic drugs and other narcotics destined for both domestic users and other African countries. It said criminal groups had exploited instability persisting since 2011, when Muammar Gaddafi’s overthrow was followed by prolonged conflict and division.