Egyptian authorities foil 200,000 captain pills smuggling attempt
Egyptian security personnel stand during the funeral of policeman Mahmoud Mohamed Aboul Yazied who was killed in a suicide bombing near Al-Azhar Mosque, Cairo, Egypt, 19 February 2019. (Photo via EPA-EFE by Mohammed Hossam)
Egyptian security forces have successfully thwarted an attempt to smuggle approximately 200,000 Captagon pills out of the country.
The approximate value of the seized narcotics is estimated at around EGP 240 million ($4.9 million).
Smuggling operation involving 12 suspects
According to detailed investigations by the Egyptian General Directorate for Drug Control, part of the Anti-Narcotics, Arms and Unlicensed Ammunition Sector, the operation involved a criminal network of 12 individuals.
Among them, five have prior criminal records, and one member is currently serving a sentence related to drug trafficking.
All the suspects are residents of the Sharqia Governorate, which is the 3rd most populous of the governorates of Egypt.
Located in the northern part of the country, its capital is the city of Zagazig.
4 female smugglers arrested at Cairo International Airport
The smuggling attempt was intercepted after legal measures were enacted. Four female members of the group were arrested at Cairo International Airport as they attempted to board a flight.
The women were found with 19 kilograms of Captagon pills concealed within their wheelchairs and clothing.
Besides the arrests at the airport, authorities apprehended the remaining members of the criminal network.
The total haul included 200,000 Captagon pills and a quantity of other psychotropic substances. The case has been referred to the Egyptian Public Prosecution for further legal action.
