Egyptian customs authorities at Cairo International Airport have successfully foiled three smuggling attempts, seizing a significant quantity of narcotics, human medicine, and cosmetics. The attempts were made by foreign and local nationals arriving from the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Lebanon. The seizures were made possible through the diligent efforts of customs officials, who used X-ray machines to inspect luggage and detect suspicious items.
The first smuggling attempt was detected at the first customs administration in Terminal 3 of Cairo Airport. A foreign national arriving from Dubai on an EgyptAir flight was stopped after customs officials became suspicious of his luggage. An X-ray inspection revealed 976 pieces of high-end cosmetics and beauty products hidden inside his luggage. The passenger's bags were thoroughly searched, and the items were confiscated.
The second smuggling attempt was uncovered at the first customs administration in Terminal 2 of Cairo Airport. A foreign national arriving from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on a Saudi Airlines flight was stopped after arousing suspicion. An X-ray inspection of his luggage revealed 347 boxes of human medicine, containing a total of 950 ampoules. The items were seized, and the passenger was detained for further questioning.
The third smuggling attempt was foiled at the second customs administration in Terminal 2 of Cairo Airport. A Egyptian national arriving from Beirut, Lebanon, on a Lebanese Airlines flight was stopped due to his short travel time and erratic behavior. An X-ray inspection of his luggage revealed 480 narcotic pills of various types. The items were confiscated, and the passenger was taken into custody.
The seizures were made in accordance with Egyptian laws and regulations, including Law No. 182 of 1960, which pertains to the control of narcotics, and Law No. 127 of 1955, which regulates the practice of pharmacy. The customs authorities also cited Law No. 207 of 2020, which governs customs procedures, and Law No. 118 of 1975, which regulates imports and exports.
The successful foiling of these smuggling attempts is in line with the directives of Ahmed Amwi, the head of the Egyptian Customs Authority, to intensify surveillance at customs outlets and airports and to thwart all attempts at customs evasion. The seizures demonstrate the effectiveness of Egyptian customs authorities in preventing the smuggling of prohibited goods into the country.
The customs authorities have initiated legal proceedings against the passengers involved and have filed three reports of customs violations, numbered 57, 58, and 96 of 2026. The cases are currently under investigation, and the passengers face penalties in accordance with Egyptian law.
Key points
- The Egyptian customs authorities have thwarted three separate smuggling attempts at Cairo International Airport, seizing narcotics, human medicine, and cosmetics.
