Tunis:Tunisia has noted a significant rise in cocaine seizures in recent years, with security and customs operations increasingly targeting drug trafficking activities. The growth in cocaine trafficking is linked to the expanding use of North Africa as a corridor for transporting drugs to Europe, the world's second-largest cocaine market.
According to Agence Tunis Afrique Presse – English, official figures and statements from customs and Interior Ministry officials confirm this upward trend in cocaine seizures. In October 2026, customs authorities reported seizing over 101 kg of cocaine in the first nine months of the year, surpassing the 94 kg seized in 2025 and the 33 kg in 2024.
The increase in cocaine trafficking is partly attributed to the passage of drugs through Tunisia's border with Libya, which spans approximately 460 km. Mohamed Ali Chaïbi, head of the narcotics control unit at the El Gorjani Judicial Police Directorate, highlighted this route as a key channel for "large quantities" of drugs. The instability in Libya since 2011 has further complicated the situation, as the country has become an "emerging new hub for cocaine trafficking," serving as a less costly transit point for drugs destined for Europe and the Middle East.
A United Nations report from January 2026 detailed Libya's role in the trafficking dynamics across North Africa, noting the increased appearance of various narcotics in Tunisia originating from Libya. Tunisian authorities have been active in intercepting cocaine trafficking attempts, including a notable seizure of nearly 30 kg of cocaine at the Ras Jedir border crossing in February 2026.
Cocaine reaches Libya through maritime routes from Ecuador, Colombia, and Brazil, with shipments often transferred through ports in Malta and other Mediterranean locations. Additionally, overland routes from West Africa through the Sahel Desert are used, with armed groups providing protection for drug shipments in exchange for compensation.
European reports suggest organized crime networks are increasingly utilizing African routes due to tighter controls at European ports. Moreover, a "reverse flow" of cocaine from European ports to Tunisia has been identified, with drugs smuggled in vehicles aboard ferries. This reverse trafficking is facilitated by weaknesses in border controls at European ports.
The high price of cocaine in Tunisia, reaching 300,000 dinars per kilogram, compared to lower prices in Europe, makes the country an attractive target for criminal networks. The surge in cocaine production in South America, exceeding 4,000 tonnes in 2024, has driven criminal organizations to explore new markets, including North Africa.
To combat this issue, Chaïbi emphasized the need for international cooperation through joint investigations and information exchanges on trafficking networks, as part of bilateral and international agreements.