Egypt’s Armed Forces have thwarted the activities of a transnational organised crime network involved in smuggling and trafficking arms and ammunition across Egypt’s southern strategic border, the Armed Forces said in a statement.
The operation followed confirmed intelligence that the network planned to smuggle weapons and ammunition across the southern border for distribution and sale in Egypt’s interior governorates, as well as supplying criminal groups engaged in illegal gold mining.
Following intensified surveillance and security operations, the Armed Forces foiled two smuggling attempts in the desert hinterland of Aswan Governorate.
The army seized 24 firearms of various types, 49,311 rounds of ammunition of different calibres, 14 RPG rounds, 28 RPG propellant charges and a Toyota Hilux vehicle. Documents belonging to several foreign nationals were also seized.
The Armed Forces said operations were under way to track down and arrest the remaining members of the network and take legal action against them.
According to the statement, the operation was part of the Armed Forces’ ongoing efforts to maintain full security control over Egypt’s strategic borders and counter activities threatening national security.
