Tunisian President Vows Crackdown on Drug Trafficking, Cites Threat to National Security

Tunisian President Kais Saied has pledged to intensify the fight against drug trafficking, declaring it a major threat to national and societal security.

Saied made the commitment during a high-level security meeting in Tunis with Interior Minister Khaled Nouri and Secretary of State for National Security Sofiene Bessadok, according to a statement from the presidency.

He stressed the importance of confronting all forms of crime, particularly narcotics-related offences, warning that those involved in such activities endanger both Tunisia’s stability and public safety.

The government has already launched aggressive anti-drug efforts, with recent nationwide operations resulting in the arrest of hundreds of suspects tied to narcotics distribution.

Tunisian National Radio reported on Monday that customs authorities have seized more than 122,500 narcotic pills, over 113 kilograms of cannabis, and 13 kilograms of cocaine since the beginning of 2025.

Chokri Al-Jabri, spokesperson for the General Directorate of Customs, noted that recent operations at air, land, and sea borders have successfully intercepted several large drug consignments, underscoring the state’s commitment to tightening border control and curbing illicit drug flows.