Tripoli, December 19, 2025 – The Libyan Customs Authority announced that it has thwarted an attempt to smuggle more than 123,000 euros through Mitiga International Airport.
The Authority stated in a release published on its website that members of the Investigation Unit of the Tripoli Anti-Smuggling and Narcotics Division, assigned to work at Mitiga International Airport, managed on Friday evening to apprehend a Libyan citizen after he completed his travel procedures and had his passport stamped while heading to Turkey. In his possession was a bag, skillfully concealed, containing a sum of 123,900 euros, with the intent of smuggling it out of the country.
The Authority indicated that all necessary legal procedures regarding the incident have been taken, and the suspect along with the seized items have been referred to the Director of the Tripoli Partial Anti-Corruption Crimes Prosecution, as per jurisdiction.
The Customs Authority confirmed in its statement that it will continue its efforts to counter such attempts, in order to preserve the stability of the national economy and deter anyone who considers violating the applicable laws and regulations.
…
Tripoli
Tripoli is the capital and largest city of Libya, with a history dating back to the 7th century BC when it was founded by the Phoenicians. It later came under Roman, Byzantine, Arab, Ottoman, and Italian rule, which is reflected in its historic architecture, such as the old Medina and the Red Castle (Assaraya al-Hamra).
Mitiga International Airport
Mitiga International Airport is located in Tripoli, Libya, and originally opened in 1993, replacing the former Tripoli International Airport. It was historically a significant Italian and later a United States air base, known as Wheelus Air Base, until 1970. Today, it serves as a primary hub for civil and military flights in the country.
Turkey
Turkey is a transcontinental nation bridging Europe and Asia, historically known as Anatolia and the heartland of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. Its modern identity was forged in 1923 as the Republic of Turkey under Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. The country is renowned for its vast cultural heritage, including iconic sites like Hagia Sophia, the ancient city of Ephesus, and the unique landscapes of Cappadocia.
Libyan Customs Authority
The Libyan Customs Authority is a government agency responsible for regulating and overseeing the import and export of goods across Libya’s borders. It was established to enforce customs laws, collect duties, and facilitate legitimate trade, operating under the country’s Ministry of Finance. Its history is intertwined with Libya’s economic and political developments, adapting to changes from the monarchy through the Gaddafi era to the present day.
Tripoli Anti-Smuggling and Narcotics Division
The Tripoli Anti-Smuggling and Narcotics Division is a specialized law enforcement unit within the Lebanese Internal Security Forces, established to combat drug trafficking and smuggling operations. Its history is closely tied to Lebanon’s broader challenges with illicit trade and regional instability, often operating in a complex security environment.
The “Tripoli Partial Anti-Corruption Crimes Prosecution” is a specialized judicial body in Libya, established in the post-Gaddafi era to address corruption cases. It was created to investigate and prosecute financial crimes and misuse of public funds, reflecting ongoing efforts to establish accountability and the rule of law amid the country’s political instability.
