Tunisian authorities have successfully intercepted a significant quantity of cannabis at the Melloula border crossing in the governorate of Junduba. On September 29, 2026, customs and border police units discovered 11 kilograms of cannabis, comprising 100 packets, concealed within a foreign-registered vehicle. The seizure was made possible through a coordinated effort between security and customs units, who suspected the vehicle and conducted a thorough search.
The operation unfolded as the vehicle was preparing to cross the border. Authorities reported that the discovery was facilitated by a specialized canine unit. Following the seizure, the vehicle was confiscated, and two foreign nationals, who were passengers in the vehicle, were detained. The individuals are currently being held for further investigation and questioning.
The Public Prosecutor's Office at the Junduba Primary Court has taken cognizance of the case. After reviewing the circumstances, the prosecutor ordered the detention of the two foreign nationals and the confiscation of the vehicle. The case has been referred to the relevant security unit for further investigation and to gather additional evidence.
The seizure of 11 kilograms of cannabis represents a significant achievement for Tunisian authorities in their efforts to combat drug trafficking. The successful operation highlights the effectiveness of inter-agency collaboration between customs, border police, and other security units. Authorities have not disclosed the nationalities of the detained individuals or the origin of the cannabis.
The incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by Tunisia in securing its borders and preventing the smuggling of illicit substances. The country's strategic location and porous borders make it a potential transit point for drug traffickers. Tunisian authorities have been working to enhance their capabilities to detect and disrupt such activities.
The investigation is ongoing, with the detained individuals expected to face charges related to drug trafficking. If convicted, they could face severe penalties under Tunisian law. Authorities have not provided further details on the investigation or potential connections to larger trafficking networks.
The successful seizure and arrest demonstrate the commitment of Tunisian authorities to addressing the issue of drug trafficking. The operation serves as a testament to the effectiveness of collaborative efforts between security agencies and the judiciary in disrupting and dismantling illicit activities.
Key points
- Tunisian authorities seized 11kg of cannabis at the Melloula border crossing and detained two foreign nationals.
- The operation was a result of inter-agency collaboration between customs, border police, and security units.
- The incident highlights Tunisia's ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking and secure its borders.
