CAIRO – In a continuing series of historic drug busts, Cairo International Airport customs authorities have intercepted the most dangerous smuggling attempt in the airport's history. Under the leadership of Dr. Majid Moussa, Head of the Central Administration for Passenger Customs, officials apprehended an Arab national attempting to smuggle a massive quantity of narcotics using sophisticated concealment methods.
The Major Seizure: 400,000 Marijuana Seeds
The passenger had concealed bags within secret compartments at the bottom and sides of his luggage. To evade X-ray detection, the bags were wrapped in carbon paper. Upon manual inspection, officers discovered approximately 7.5 kilograms containing over 400,000 marijuana seeds. Authorities noted the unprecedented danger of this shipment, as each seed is capable of producing a full-grown cannabis plant.
The operation was carried out by the "First Department" at Terminal 3. Following a thorough search, the passenger was referred to the Nuzha Prosecution Office. Prosecutor Moataz Zakaria has ordered the suspect’s detention for four days pending further investigation and has issued arrest warrants for accomplices involved in the smuggling ring.
Record-Breaking Enforcement (2025–2026)
This record-breaking seizure follows an intensified crackdown on drug trafficking. Statistics released by the Central Administration for Passenger Customs highlight a "fierce offensive" by smugglers over recent months. During the year 2025, a total of 380 customs seizure reports were filed, 139 of which were for various narcotics. Since the beginning of 2026, 67 seizure reports have already been filed, including 22 major drug busts across Terminals 1, 2, 3, the Seasonal Terminal, and Sphinx International Airport.
Key Recent Drug Busts Across All Terminals
Terminal 1 and Terminal 2
In Terminal 1, a foreign passenger was caught with 1,200 narcotic pills. Terminal 2 saw several major attempts, including a passenger who tried to smuggle 5 kilograms of hashish hidden inside pillows. Another significant case involved a group of four Egyptians attempting to smuggle 11.5 kilograms of synthetic hashish powder hidden in molasses jars. Additionally, a passenger was intercepted with half a kilogram of marijuana and 15 electronic cigarettes containing the same drug.
Terminal 3 Highlights
Terminal 3 has been the site of massive synthetic drug seizures, including two foreign nationals caught separately with approximately 10 kilograms of Ecstasy each. Several African passengers were also intercepted with large quantities of Khat, including two separate cases involving 32 kilograms each, and another passenger carrying 24 kilograms of Khat alongside 485 narcotic pills.
Seasonal Terminal and Sphinx Airport
At the Seasonal Terminal, authorities stopped an Egyptian passenger attempting to smuggle 22,400 capsules of Solpadeine, a controlled substance. Another passenger was caught with 2,040 pills of the same drug. Meanwhile, at Sphinx International Airport, a passenger was apprehended with 59 containers of diverse narcotics.
Strategic Coordination and Leadership
These successes are attributed to seamless coordination between Cairo Airport Customs and the General Administration for Drug Control. This partnership ensures that local arrests lead to the dismantling of wider criminal networks both inside and outside Egypt.
The operations are conducted under the direct supervision of Mr. Ahmed Amwi, Head of the Customs Authority, with the ongoing technical and administrative support of Mr. Ahmed Kouchouk, Minister of Finance. Despite the heightened security, officials emphasized their commitment to maintaining a smooth flow of traffic for tourists and citizens to prevent terminal congestion.
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