Maputo, 3 Jul (AIM) – Mozambique’s National Criminal Investigation Service (SERNIC) on Friday incinerated 3.7 tonnes of fentanyl seized last June in a warehouse of a private company at Maputo Airport.
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.
At least four people, one of them a member of Mozambique’s customs authorities, have been arrested for allegedly being involved in the case.
The ceremony was monitored and attended by members of the country’s Attorney General’s Office (PGR), Health Ministry, Mozambican Police (PRM), Tax Authority, Maputo Municipal Council, Mozambique Airports, as well as other entities involved in combating drug trafficking
The operation is considered one of the largest destructions of synthetic drugs ever carried out in Mozambique. It was carried out at the facilities of Ceramics Industry in Maputo.
Before the incineration, samples of the fentanyl were collected and preserved for forensic evidence and judicial proceedings, in accordance with procedures established by the law.
According to official data, the authorities seized drugs worth 2.7 million US dollars in 2025. These figures represent 88 percent decrease compared to 2024.
“With this action, Sernic reaffirms its commitment to the prevention and combat of illicit drug trafficking, removing from circulation a substance with a high potential for public health harm and contributing to the protection of society”, reads the note.
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