Mogadishu (Dawan Africa) – Somalia’s Office of the Attorney General announced on Saturday that security officials have seized a large shipment of narcotics at Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu, in what is being described as one of the most significant blows against drug trafficking networks in recent months.
According to the Attorney General’s Office, the consignment consisted of 48 sacks, each containing 52 boxes, totaling 2,496 packets of narcotics. In addition, six cartons of wrapping materials used for concealing the drugs were confiscated. Officials confirmed that the seizure took place before the shipment could leave the airport.
Authorities said the intercepted shipment posed a serious threat to public health and security. A full investigation is now under way to identify the trafficking networks involved and to ensure those responsible are brought before the courts.
“The Office of the Attorney General reaffirms its commitment to fighting drug-related crimes and warns that anyone involved in the trafficking or distribution of narcotics will face firm legal consequences,” the office said in its statement.
This seizure comes just weeks after another incident at the same airport on August 7, when security officials intercepted 189 packets of narcotics that were also hidden in cargo bound for export. On both occasions, the government did not disclose the intended destination of the shipments.
Mogadishu’s Aden Adde International Airport has previously been at the center of high-profile interdictions. Authorities had earlier banned the export of halwa, a popular Somali sweet, after narcotics were discovered hidden inside consignments of the confection.
Officials say the repeated interceptions underscore the growing use of the airport by drug trafficking networks, but stress that increased vigilance and security operations are beginning to disrupt the trade.
