Indivíduo neutralizado pelo SERNIC. Foto de Carlos Júnior
Maputo, 24 Jun (AIM) – Mozambique’s National Criminal Investigation Service (SERNIC) has arrested another customs official allegedly involved in the trafficking of 3.7 tonnes of fentanyl in a warehouse of a private company at Maputo Airport, on June 12.
The drugs were found packaged in 50 boxes, each containing 30 packets of 2.2 kilos, totalling 1,500 packets. This is one of the largest drug seizures ever made by authorities in the country.
In a statement, SERNIC says that the detainee is a Mozambican citizen and a member of the country’s customs, bringing the number of people in custody to four. Among the detainees, there is a Nigerian national.
“The arrest took place on Sunday, in compliance with an arrest warrant issued by the authorities, after SERNIC’s investigative work gathered strong evidence of the suspect’s alleged involvement in the drug trafficking scheme”, reads the document.
However, the country’s Tax Authority (AT) had refused the involvement of customs officials in the case, claiming that “the officials on duty fully complied with all legal procedures. While investigations are ongoing, any possible individual misconduct will be carried out in the course of official duties.”
In parallel with the arrest, the document says, searches were carried out at the suspect’s residences, “and other investigations are underway to consolidate the evidence.”
According to SERNIC, two of those detained have already confessed to their involvement in the case.
Authorities are still awaiting judicial authorization to proceed with the incineration of the seized drugs, while investigations continue to fully clarify the criminal network possibly involved in the case.
SERNIC also reaffirms its determination to combat organized and transnational crime, “calling on citizens to collaborate by sharing information that can contribute to the prevention and combating of crime.”
Am/
