Egypt's Interior Ministry continued its preemptive security operations targeting criminal elements involved in bringing, trafficking and possessing illegal firearms.
Information and investigations conducted by the Anti-Narcotics and Unlicensed Weapons and Ammunition Sector, in coordination with relevant security agencies, identified a criminal cell consisting of three highly dangerous criminal elements.
The three had previously been accused and sentenced to prison in cases involving drug trafficking, firearms and attempted murder.
Criminal Cell Targeted in Ataka
Investigations indicated that the suspects were involved in bringing and recycling narcotics in preparation for trafficking them.
They also allegedly relied on unlicensed firearms to strengthen their criminal activities and had chosen an area in the desert hinterland within the Ataka Police Department's jurisdiction as a base for their operations.
After completing the necessary legal procedures, security forces tracked the suspects and prepared the required ambushes to target them.
Security Operation Ends With 3 Suspects Killed
The criminal cell was targeted with the participation of the Central Security Sector.
The security operation resulted in the deaths of the three suspects, while forces seized more than 3 tons of various narcotics, including hashish and hydro.
Authorities also seized eight automatic rifles and a handgun.
Drugs Worth EGP 290 Million Seized
The financial value of the seized narcotics was estimated at approximately EGP 290 million.
The operation represents a major security strike against criminal elements involved in bringing, processing and trafficking narcotics while possessing unlicensed firearms.
Legal procedures were taken in connection with the incident.
How many criminals were targeted in the operation?
The criminal cell consisted of three highly dangerous criminal elements.
Where was the criminal cell operating?
The suspects were operating in an area in the desert hinterland within the jurisdiction of the Ataka Police Department.
How much narcotics were seized?
More than 3 tons of various narcotics were seized, including hashish and hydro.
What weapons were seized?
Security forces seized eight automatic rifles and a handgun.
What was the estimated value of the seized drugs?
The seized narcotics were estimated to be worth approximately EGP 290 million.
