Mozambique's Tax Authority (AT) announced the seizure of cocaine disguised as sweets last Tuesday (30) at the Maputo International Air Terminal, in yet another inspection operation. This is the second case in less than two months.

According to the AT delegate in Maputo city, Lavínia Macule, the drugs seized came from Brazil and were camouflaged in boxes that contained volumes of just over 1,300 kilograms.

Quoted by Carta de Moçambique, the source said that the seizure was the result of the operational work of the institution's units and the National Criminal Investigation Service (SERNIC), assigned to the airport terminal, with the aim of stopping customs and tax crimes. "At the moment, we have handed the drugs over to the SERNIC brigade in Maputo city for the subsequent procedures," added Lavínia Macule.

Mozambique continues to be considered one of the biggest drug corridors from South America and Asia to South Africa and Europe. Nacala-Porto, Pemba and the city of Maputo are considered some of the entry points for drugs, especially methamphetamine.

In June, SERNIC seized 120 boxes of sweets containing cocaine from Brazil at Maputo International Airport, leading to the arrest of three people, including AT employees and a company that provides services to Aeroportos de Moçambique.

(Photo DR)