Cinq pistolets automatiques saisis par la Douane de Tlemcen

Five automatic pistols seized by Tlemcen Customs

customs Traditionally made, hidden in luggage

An attempt to smuggle 5 traditional automatic pistols of old manufacture was foiled yesterday Monday by the Customs services of Tlemcen International Airport. This quality work was accomplished by agents of the main passenger inspection at Messali Hadj airport in Tlemcen, attached to the Tlemcen Customs Inspection, who succeeded, yesterday Monday, in aborting an attempt to smuggle 5 traditional automatic pistols of old manufacture, hidden in the personal luggage of a passenger, during the processing of a flight from the city of Lille in France, according to a press release from the General Directorate of Passengers. Customs (DGD). The same source added that “the goods were seized and the offender was handed over to the competent judicial authorities to continue legal procedures.” It should be noted that this operation reflects the constant vigilance of customs officers mobilized at border crossing points, as well as their continued commitment to protecting works of art and national and global cultural heritage against smuggling operations. This new seizure of prohibited weapons reminds us of other quality operations carried out by these same services. In June 2025, elements of the El Aricha Customs, in the south of the wilaya, managed to get their hands on nearly 10 kg (9.7 kg, exactly) of cannabis resin from Morocco, carefully hidden in the bowels of a tourist vehicle. During this operation, carried out with precision and professionalism, an individual was arrested and brought before justice. According to the Tlemcen Regional Customs Directorate, this umpteenth operation, successfully carried out, is part of the fight against drugs and organized crime. Despite the closure of borders and the multiple roadblocks of the various security services, smugglers, specifically drug traffickers, continue to supply the country with drugs. In 2024, elements of the Tlemcen Customs, in cooperation with the National People’s Army (ANP), had seized 49.65 kg of processed kif and 70,803 psychotropic tablets since the start of the year, according to the regional management. In connection with 23 cases handled, 39 people were arrested and brought to justice. In addition to the drugs, the authorities had seized, at that time, an automatic pistol, 95 bullets, a harpoon gun, binoculars, 25 video surveillance cameras, 3 drones and 75 kg of polyamide. Furthermore, the period was also marked by the seizure of 323 cartons of cigarettes, 103,638 packets of chewing tobacco, 10,283 units of alcoholic beverages, as well as sums of money in foreign currencies, notably 8,440 euros, 33,000 Swiss francs and 6 gold Louis coins, it should be remembered.
S.Abi