Libya confiscates $1.7M in gold, cash during smuggling attempt to Türkiye

Libyan authorities stopped a gold and cash smuggling attempt at Misrata International Airport.

Officials intercepted 220 pounds of gold and $1.7 million during a security inspection of an international flight bound for Türkiye.

The discovery reflects ongoing efforts to combat illegal activities amid Libya’s political instability.

What happened

• Libya’s Internal Security Agency reported on its verified Facebook page that the gold bars were found in three suitcases, while the cash was hidden in a separate suitcase.
• “We found the suitcases during a routine security check,” the agency stated. Photos shared by the agency show the confiscated suitcases containing gold bars and bundles of euro banknotes.
• “Those responsible for these suitcases have been arrested,” the agency added, without providing further details about the suspects involved.

Why this matters

• Misrata, a key port city located around 125 miles east of the capital Tripoli, has seen an increase in smuggling activities because of the country’s ongoing instability. The city’s airport and seaport serve as critical points for illegal goods entering and leaving Libya.
• This is not an isolated case. In May, the Tripoli-based attorney general ordered the arrest of the director general of customs and several officials at Misrata airport for their role in a separate smuggling attempt involving nearly 57,300 pounds of gold. This raised concerns about corruption and the involvement of local officials in smuggling operations.

Bigger picture of smuggling attempt in Libya

• Libya has struggled with security challenges since the 2011 NATO-backed uprising that led to the fall of Muammar Gaddafi. The country has been divided since 2014 between rival administrations in the east and west, each supported by various militias and foreign powers. This division has created a power vacuum, allowing smuggling networks to flourish.
• The instability has made it difficult for Libyan authorities to control borders and prevent the trafficking of valuable resources, such as gold and oil. Smuggling networks have exploited the lack of effective governance, further complicating efforts to stabilize the country.

What’s next

• Libyan authorities plan to intensify their efforts to dismantle smuggling networks, despite the challenges posed by the country’s fragmented political landscape and the presence of powerful militias.
• The successful operation at Misrata airport shows that authorities are committed to tackling organized crime, but overcoming the broader issues of political fragmentation and weak institutions remains a significant challenge.

Takeaway from smuggling attempt to Türkiye

The interception of 220 pounds of gold and $1.7 million at Misrata International Airport represents a proactive step in Libya’s fight against smuggling.

However, it also demonstrates the ongoing difficulties in securing the country’s resources amid political instability and divided governance.