Tunisia - Cannabis and other drugs - 2025 / 2026

[Heidi]

Customs Officer Released in Case of 500 Kilos of Drugs Seized at Radès Port​

By Saber boubaker

27 September 2025

The public prosecutor at the Court of First Instance of Ben Arous ordered on Thursday the release of a customs officer who had been held in custody as part of the investigation into the spectacular seizure of nearly 500 kilos of drugs at the port of Radès, according to La Presse.

The illicit shipment had been carefully concealed inside household appliances imported from a European country. The container in question belonged to a company specializing in the import of electrical appliances, which allowed the traffickers to skillfully disguise their prohibited cargo.

At the outset of the investigation, the prosecutor had ordered the detention of the customs officer as well as a manager at a maritime transport company, as part of efforts to determine individual responsibilities.

The officer’s release does not signal the end of the case: the investigation is ongoing to establish possible complicities and dismantle a network that may extend well beyond Tunisia’s borders.

The case, given its scale, once again highlights the importance of securing logistical chains against international drug trafficking, as well as the need to strengthen control mechanisms and cooperation among the various actors in the logistics sector.

Customs Officer Released in Case of 500 Kilos of Drugs Seized at Radès Port - Tunisie

The public prosecutor at the Court of First Instance of Ben Arous ordered on Thursday the release of a customs officer who had been held in custody as part of the investigation into the spectacular seizure of nearly 500 kilos of drugs at the port of Radès, according to La Presse. The illicit...

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[Heidi]

Tunisia : 20 Years in Prison for Foreign Woman Caught Smuggling Drugs via La Goulette Port

By Yassine Atoui

6 October 2025

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The criminal chamber of the Tunis Court of First Instance sentenced on Monday a foreign national to 20 years in prison after she was caught at La Goulette port attempting to smuggle a shipment of drugs.

Drugs hidden in a suitcase​

According to a judicial source, the defendant had brought the shipment from a European country, then divided and carefully concealed it inside her suitcase in an attempt to bypass customs inspections.

Heavy financial penalty​

In addition to the prison sentence, the court also fined her 20,000 dinars, as part of strict measures against drug trafficking networks.

This case highlights the firm stance of Tunisian justice against narcotics crimes and smuggling operations through the country’s ports, reflecting ongoing efforts to dismantle organized crime networks.

Tunisia: 20 Years in Prison for Foreign Woman Caught Smuggling Drugs via La Goulette Port - Tunisie

Tunisia: 20 Years in Prison for Foreign Woman Caught Smuggling Drugs via La Goulette Port

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[Heidi]

Tunisia : Ten Years in Prison for Two Young Women Convicted of Drug Trafficking in Gammarth​

By Hamza

12 October 2025

The criminal chamber of the Tunis Court of First Instance delivered its verdict yesterday in a drug trafficking case involving two young women, each sentenced to ten years in prison and fined for their role in a drug distribution network operating in several nightclubs in Gammarth.

According to case details, the defendants had been under surveillance for several months by law enforcement following reports of suspicious activity in upscale nightlife venues in the northern suburbs of Tunis.

The investigation revealed that they regularly supplied illegal substances to a clientele composed mainly of young partygoers and tourists.

The two women were eventually arrested in a carefully planned sting operation conducted by the anti-narcotics unit.

At the time of their arrest, they were found in possession of several packets of cocaine, cannabis-rolled cigarettes, and psychotropic pills intended for resale.

The court convicted them on charges of drug trafficking, possession, and distribution, as well as participation in a criminal network.

Both defendants partially admitted to the charges, claiming they were “selling on their own behalf,” but the investigation uncovered a broader supply chain that remains under inquiry.

This case has reignited debate over the spread of drug use in Tunisia’s party scene—a phenomenon authorities are striving to curb through targeted operations, particularly in the capital’s tourist areas.

Tunisia : Ten Years in Prison for Two Young Women Convicted of Drug Trafficking in Gammarth - Tunisie

Tunisia : Ten Years in Prison for Two Young Women Convicted of Drug Trafficking in Gammarth

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[Heidi]

Anti-Drug Operation in Sidi Bouzid : Record Seizure of 150 Cannabis Bricks​

By Hamza

19 November 2025

The Sidi Bouzid Investigation and Research Brigade, acting in coordination with the National Guard’s road control unit and supported by various divisions of the Sidi Bouzid National Guard district, succeeded in seizing 150 bricks of cannabis, according to security sources speaking to the Tunis Afrique Presse (TAP) news agency.

The same sources reported that the seized quantities were found in a vehicle arriving from a neighboring country, following a thorough inspection.

The drugs had been carefully concealed in a specially designed hidden compartment inside the car.

Anti-Drug Operation in Sidi Bouzid : Record Seizure of 150 Cannabis Bricks - Tunisie

Anti-Drug Operation in Sidi Bouzid : Record Seizure of 150 Cannabis Bricks

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[Heidi]

Gafsa : Drug Trafficking Network Dismantled, 500 Ecstasy Pills Seized​

By Yassine Atoui

24 November 2025

The regional drug enforcement unit in Gafsa successfully dismantled a drug trafficking network operating in the area, with the network members bringing in drugs from Tunis.

The operation led to the arrest of three individuals, the seizure of 500 ecstasy pills, a significant amount of money, and a vehicle used for transporting and distributing the drugs.

This operation is part of ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to combat the spread of drugs in Tunisia’s inland regions, a phenomenon that threatens the safety of society, particularly youth.

Legal action has been taken against the arrested individuals, while authorities continue their investigations to identify other members of the network and any additional accomplices involved in this criminal activity.

Gafsa: Drug Trafficking Network Dismantled, 500 Ecstasy Pills Seized - Tunisie

Gafsa: Drug Trafficking Network Dismantled, 500 Ecstasy Pills Seized

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[Heidi]

Dec 3, 2025

4 kg of Cocaine Seized : Foreign Couple Arrested in Medenine for International Drug Trafficking​

By Yassine Atoui

3 December 2025

A judge at the Medenine Court of First Instance has ordered the detention of a foreign national and his wife on charges of involvement in an international drug trafficking network. The decision follows the seizure of more than four kilograms of cocaine concealed inside their vehicle as they passed through a border checkpoint, according to a security source quoted by Mosaïque FM.

According to available information, the couple entered Tunisian territory via a land border crossing in their car. A thorough search by border authorities led to the discovery of the cocaine, which had been expertly hidden within the structure of the vehicle to evade detection.

The case was referred to the Anti-Narcotics Sub-Directorate in El Gorjani, where investigators reported that the pair intended to transport the cocaine to Tunis and deliver it to other members of the trafficking network. Among the identified contacts was a well-known suspect already flagged by security services for foreign currency smuggling. He was arrested alongside a second accomplice, while additional individuals linked to the operation remain under investigation and have been placed on a wanted list.

The foreign couple and the two arrested suspects were later presented to the investigating judge, who ordered their pre-trial detention. A judicial commission (rogatory letter) was issued in favor of the Anti-Narcotics Sub-Directorate in El Gorjani to continue investigations and uncover the remaining members of the international network.

This operation marks a significant step in efforts to combat organized crime and drug trafficking activities targeting Tunisia as both a crossroads and a distribution hub.

4 kg of Cocaine Seized: Foreign Couple Arrested in Medenine for International Drug Trafficking - Tunisie

4 kg of Cocaine Seized: Foreign Couple Arrested in Medenine for International Drug Trafficking

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[Heidi]

Nabeul : Three Individuals Arrested and 5,700 Drug Tablets Seized​

By Hamza

2 December 2025

As part of ongoing security efforts to combat crime—particularly the spread of drugs among young people—the regional anti-narcotics brigade in Nabeul has arrested three individuals belonging to a criminal network specialized in drug trafficking, according to a security source contacted Tuesday evening by the Tunis Afrique Presse (TAP) agency.

The same source explained that units from the regional anti-narcotics brigade in Nabeul, operating under the sub-directorate for narcotics within the El Gorjani judicial police, successfully apprehended three individuals from the area following investigative and field operations. These suspects were part of a criminal alliance operating within an international drug trafficking network, and their arrest took place after consultation with the Public Prosecutor at the Nabeul Court of First Instance.

The source added that this large-scale operation, conducted as part of efforts to combat all forms of drug trafficking and pursue those active in the trade, led to the seizure of 5,700 tablets of the drug “Erika,” along with a sum of approximately 10,000 dinars obtained from illicit trafficking, as well as luxury vehicles used to transport narcotics.

Nabeul : Three Individuals Arrested and 5,700 Drug Tablets Seized - Tunisie

Nabeul : Three Individuals Arrested and 5,700 Drug Tablets Seized

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[Heidi]

Jan 15, 2026

Ten Years in Prison for Drug Dealer Targeting Schools in Bhar Lazreg and La Marsa​

By Yassine Atoui

15 January 2026

The Criminal Chamber of the Tunis Court of First Instance sentenced, last Tuesday, a drug dealer operating in the vicinity of educational institutions in the areas of Bhar Lazreg and La Marsa to ten years in prison.

According to a judicial source, security forces arrested the suspect following a thorough investigation, which led to the seizure of four slabs of cannabis, commonly known as “zatla,” along with 338 psychotropic pills found in his possession.

This ruling reflects the authorities’ firm stance against drug trafficking in school environments, a phenomenon that poses a serious threat to students’ health and safety and undermines the stability of the educational system and social security.

Ten Years in Prison for Drug Dealer Targeting Schools in Bhar Lazreg and La Marsa

Ten Years in Prison for Drug Dealer Targeting Schools in Bhar Lazreg and La Marsa

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[Heidi]

Feb 15, 2026

Drug Trafficking : Transport and Distribution Ring Dismantled in Nabeul​

By Hamza

14 February 2026

Officers and senior staff from the regional anti-narcotics brigade in Nabeul, under the El Gorjani Sub-Directorate for Drug Control, dismantled a network this past week that specialised in transporting and selling drugs between the cities of Nabeul and Hammamet, a security source told the Tunis Afrique Presse (TAP) news agency. The operation forms part of ongoing security efforts to combat crime, particularly drug trafficking, the source said.

The same source added on Friday evening that the operation led to the seizure of large quantities of narcotic pills. A second phase involved a raid on the supplier’s home in the Sidi Omar district of Nabeul, where the suspect was arrested and additional quantities of narcotic tablets and cannabis (“zatla”), prepared for distribution, were also seized.

All individuals implicated in the case have been taken into custody, following consultation with the public prosecutor’s office at the Grombalia court.

Drug Trafficking : Transport and Distribution Ring Dismantled in Nabeul

Drug Trafficking : Transport and Distribution Ring Dismantled in Nabeul

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[Heidi]

March 18, 2026

Arrest of a Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 28 Years in Prison​

By Hamza

16 March 2026

Officers from the National Security station in Ezzahrouni succeeded, the day before yesterday, in surrounding and arresting a smuggler who was the subject of eight wanted notices for possession of goods of unknown origin linked to smuggling. It was later established that he had also been sentenced to 28 years in prison with immediate enforcement for drug trafficking.

The investigation revealed that, in addition to his smuggling activities, he had become involved in the drug trade and in selling narcotics to traffickers operating within the school environment in Ezzahrouni.

Quantities of drugs, large sums of money, a vehicle, and bladed weapons were seized.

Arrest of a Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 28 Years in Prison

Arrest of a Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 28 Years in Prison

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[Heidi]

March 19, 2026

Tunisian Customs: Seizure of Over 34.5 kg of Cannabis and 2 kg of Marijuana Since the Beginning of Ramadan​

By Mohsen Tiss

18 March 2026

In Tunisia, the General Directorate of Customs has announced that, in its ongoing efforts to combat smuggling across the country, customs services at various border crossing points, along with the customs guards and the postal parcel office, have successfully seized significant quantities of drugs and consumer goods, primarily coffee, bananas, fireworks, and contraband cigarettes, since the start of Ramadan.

As part of the fight against drug smuggling, seizures have taken place at border posts in Dhehiba, Melloula, Ras Jedir, at Tunis-Carthage Airport, at the postal parcel office, as well as by the customs guard brigades in Ben Guerdane, Medenine, Sfax, Skhira, and the motorcycle unit. Following targeted operations, more than 34.5 kg of cannabis, 2 kg of marijuana, over 88,000 drug pills, 4,250 LSD tablets, and 400 grams of cocaine have been seized.

At Djerba-Zarzis Airport, a marijuana grinder machine, along with quantities of cannabis and marijuana intended for personal use, were also confiscated.

Regarding the fight against smuggling of consumer goods, customs authorities seized nearly 16 tons of contraband coffee, around 53 tons of bananas, over one million fireworks (rockets, firecrackers, etc.), and more than 64,000 contraband cigarette cartons.

Tunisian Customs: Seizure of Over 34.5 kg of Cannabis and 2 kg of Marijuana Since the Beginning of Ramadan

In Tunisia, the General Directorate of Customs has announced that, in its ongoing efforts to combat smuggling across the country, customs services at various border crossing points, along with the customs guards and the postal parcel office, have successfully seized significant quantities of...

news-tunisia.tunisienumerique.com

 

[Heidi]

National Guard’s Research and Investigation Brigade in Menzel Temime: Six-Member Drug Trafficking Network Dismantled​

By Saber boubaker

8 April 2026

As part of ongoing efforts to combat organized crime and track down networks specializing in the smuggling and distribution of narcotics, officers and personnel of the National Guard’s Research and Investigation Brigade in Menzel Temime successfully dismantled, late last night, a network involved in the distribution of various types of drugs.

Following meticulous investigative work and sustained surveillance, six individuals from the town of Menzel Temime were arrested. They are suspected of marketing these substances to young people of مختلف ages, particularly within educational settings. A carefully planned ambush enabled their arrest in flagrante delicto.

The operation also led to the seizure of substantial sums of money believed to be proceeds from the sale of various quantities of cocaine, cannabis, and psychotropic pills.

After consultation with the public prosecutor, it was decided to place the suspects in custody and initiate the necessary legal proceedings against them through the competent authorities.

National Guard’s Research and Investigation Brigade in Menzel Temime: Six-Member Drug Trafficking Network Dismantled

As part of ongoing efforts to combat organized crime and track down networks specializing in the smuggling and distribution of narcotics, officers and personnel of the National Guard’s Research and Investigation Brigade in Menzel Temime successfully dismantled, late last night, a network...

news-tunisia.tunisienumerique.com

 

[Heidi]

Tunis : Prison sentences of up to 15 years handed down against female drug trafficking network​

By Hamza

30 May 2026

The criminal chamber of the Tunis Court of First Instance has handed down prison sentences ranging from 6 to 15 years, along with fines exceeding 100,000 dinars, against members of a dangerous female network specialized in the sale of narcotic tablets in school environments and among young people in the capital.

The case dates back to the dismantling of the network by security services, following close monitoring of its criminal activities.

Investigations revealed that the accused deliberately targeted pupils and young people near educational institutions to sell narcotic tablets, using concealment methods to avoid raising suspicion.

According to the case file, the accused brought the drug shipments from the governorate of Kasserine before transporting and distributing them in neighborhoods of the capital and around its schools in exchange for varying sums of money.

The members of the network were prosecuted on charges related to smuggling, possession, ownership and sale of a narcotic substance listed under Schedule B, with the intent of trafficking it.

Tunis : Prison sentences of up to 15 years handed down against female drug trafficking network

Tunis : Prison sentences of up to 15 years handed down against female drug trafficking network

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[Heidi]

Sept 14, 2026

The network was reportedly headed by a rap singer

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Tunisian Authorities Dismantle Cocaine Trafficking Network in Greater Tunis​

Tunisian Authorities Dismantle Cocaine Trafficking Network in Greater Tunis

Tunisian Authorities Dismantle Cocaine Trafficking Network in Greater Tunis

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