Libya's Military Seizes 1.3 Million Narcotics

A Libyan military brigade seized over 1.3 million narcotic pills after engaging smugglers in a firefight in the southeastern town of Kufra, military officials reported Friday.

Three soldiers sustained injuries during the operation.

The Subul al-Salam infantry brigade, operating under eastern military commander Khalifa Haftar, raided multiple hideouts used by international narcotics and contraband traffickers.

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Images released by the military showed soldiers surrounding dozens of transparent plastic bags filled with white pills stamped with the number one and marked “made in Germany.”

Libya's military seizes 1.3 million narcotics (News Central TV) — Members of the security forces stand next to a vehicle and seized narcotic pills after a security operation conducted by the Subul Al-Salam Infantry Brigade in a location given as Kufra, Libya, according to the military, in this photo released October 9, 2026. Credit: Libyan National Army/Handout via REUTERS

Military officials did not disclose the estimated market value of the confiscated drugs.

Drug cartels have increasingly exploited political instability across Libya following the 2011 NATO-backed overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi.

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime warned in January that the North African nation has transformed into a critical regional transit hub for synthetic narcotics bound for domestic users and broader African markets.

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Abisoye Adeyiga

Abisoye Adedoyin Adeyiga holds a PhD in Languages and Media Studies and a Master’s in Education (English Language). Trained in digital marketing and investigative journalism, she is passionate about new media’s transformative power. She enjoys reading, traveling, and meaningful conversations.