Libya's Internal Security Agency announced on Saturday that it had intercepted an attempt to smuggle 100 kilograms of gold and 1.5 million euros at Misrata International Airport during a security check of an international flight.
The agency reported that the gold bars were discovered in three suitcases, while the money was found in a separate suitcase. The suitcases were detected during the security screening of a flight bound for Turkey.
The agency also stated that "those responsible for these suitcases were arrested."
Gold smuggling in Libya has become a significant issue, with the country being a key transit point for illegally mined gold from African countries. This illicit trade involves various networks, including armed groups and militias, who exploit Libya's weak security to smuggle gold to international markets.
According to the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime, these smuggling operations are contributing to ongoing instability and funding for militant activities in the region.