Drug Seizures in Tunisia: A Growing Concern for Youth and Society
On Wednesday, September 3, 2025, Chokri Jebri, the official spokesperson for the Tunisian Customs, stated that the danger of drugs now directly affects young people and the security of society. He specified that customs units, in coordination with security services, have seized the following quantities from the beginning of the year to the end of August:
- 169,000 tablets of narcotics
- 154 kg of "Zatla" (cannabis)
- 58 kg of cocaine
During his intervention on the "Expresso" show, Jebri described the quantities seized during this period as "massive and unprecedented." According to him, this testifies to the increase in domestic consumption, particularly among young people aged 16 to 18, and the expansion of smuggling networks targeting the Tunisian market.
Record Seizures
Last year, Customs had already seized over one million tablets of narcotics, 30 kg of cocaine, and 250 kg of "Zatla." This year, the most notable operations include the "historic" seizure of 42 kg of cocaine in Sfax and the discovery of 36 kg of "Zatla" in La Goulette in August.
The spokesperson also mentioned the failure of several smuggling attempts at border posts, such as those in Ras Jedir and Tunis-Carthage Airport. He specified that part of these substances is intended for local consumption, while another part, notably tablets, is in transit to neighboring countries.
In conclusion, Chokri Jebri emphasized that the quantities of drugs seized each year remain roughly at the same level, reflecting the persistence of security challenges related to this phenomenon.
