(AFP PHOTO / SAID KHATIB)
The Egyptian military has destroyed eight tunnels, captured 254 “intruders”, and has confiscated 4.5 total tonnes of marijuana and over 11,000 smuggled cigarettes in the Sinai recently, according to an armed forces statement.
In the Sinai, one “very dangerous” criminal element was captured, whose identity has not been released. 86 kilograms of marijuana were also confiscated, alongside three cars and three motorcycles, allegedly used for monitoring security forces in the area. Eight tunnels, used by smugglers to move between the occupied Gaza Strip and Egypt, were also destroyed.
In the Gulf of Suez, 4.3 additional tonnes of marijuana were captured, while off the coast of Alexandria 254 alleged illegal immigrants were detained by the Egyptian Navy. 162 of those captured were Syrian, 27 were Sudanese, 51 were Egyptian, Palestinian, Chadian or Eritrean, and three were “criminal elements” involved in the smuggling.
Seven vehicles carrying 11,000 contraband cigarettes were captured near the Sudanese border. Seven people were arrested for the smuggling; four of whom are Egyptian and three Sudanese.
The statement adds that all legal measures will be taken against those who have been detained.
