Tunisian authorities have recorded several major cocaine seizures in recent years. In July 2025, the customs guard seized approximately 43 kilograms of cocaine on a truck traveling on the highway near Skhira, in the Sfax governorate. This marked the largest seizure of this substance in the history of the fight against narcotics in Tunisia. The seizure was a significant blow to drug traffickers and highlighted the country's efforts to combat the illicit trade.
Prior to this record-breaking seizure, other significant operations had taken place. In May 2017, a maritime patrol of the National Guard seized over 32 kilograms of cocaine on the uninhabited island of Kuriat, off the coast of Monastir. This was the first detection of drug trafficking networks on an uninhabited Tunisian island. The patrol had been monitoring the area and intercepted the cocaine, preventing it from being smuggled into the country.
In March 2017, a maritime patrol of the National Guard spotted over 31 kilograms of cocaine in a bag submerged in the sea off Korbous, in the Nabeul governorate. Two individuals on a speedboat were attempting to recover the bag before fleeing towards the Italian island of Sicily. The patrol successfully intercepted the cocaine, foiling the traffickers' plans. This operation demonstrated the National Guard's efforts to patrol the country's coastline and prevent drug smuggling.
More recent seizures have also been significant. In July 2022, control operations at maritime and land borders led to the interception of approximately 31 kilograms of cocaine on a truck at the Radès port, originating from abroad. This seizure highlighted the continued efforts of Tunisian authorities to monitor and control the country's borders. In February 2026, nearly 30 kilograms of cocaine hidden in a foreign-registered vehicle from Libya via the Ras Jedir border crossing were seized.
Airport authorities have also made significant seizures. In September 2024, Tunis-Carthage International Airport recorded the seizure of 6.575 kilograms of cocaine in the luggage of a foreign traveler. A similar seizure was made in February 2025, with 6.175 kilograms of cocaine hidden in luggage. These seizures demonstrate the role of airports in the global drug trade and the efforts of Tunisian authorities to prevent the smuggling of narcotics.
In addition to these domestic seizures, international authorities have intercepted large shipments of cocaine destined for Tunisia or transiting through the country. In December 2021, Ecuadorian police seized over 656 kilograms of cocaine hidden in a container of bananas bound for Tunisia. Interpol estimated that this shipment was intended to make the country a transit point for Europe, the Middle East, or neighboring countries.
Other international seizures have also been significant. In September 2016, Brazilian authorities seized around 602 kilograms of cocaine hidden in 18 bags of organic sugar on a ship bound for the port of Tunis via Italy. Between 2018 and 2023, Colombian authorities intercepted over 100 kilograms of cocaine destined for several African countries, including Tunisia, via postal packages. These international seizures highlight the global nature of the drug trade and the need for cooperation between countries to combat it.
Key points
- The largest cocaine seizure in Tunisia's history was 43 kilograms in July 2025.
- Several large cocaine shipments have been intercepted internationally, destined for or transiting through Tunisia.
- Airport authorities have made multiple significant cocaine seizures in recent years.
