Tripoli – The Tripoli Criminal Court has sentenced eight defendants to life imprisonment. They were convicted of smuggling narcotic and psychotropic substances. The illicit materials were hidden in vehicles. These vehicles arrived on two maritime transport vessels. The vessels were named “Grand California” and “Grand España.” They had originated from the port of Antwerp in Belgium.
The Public Prosecutor’s Office reported on the case. The Public Prosecution had filed a public lawsuit against nine defendants. In its latest session, the Tripoli Criminal Court issued its verdict. It sentenced defendants one through eight to life imprisonment. The ninth defendant received a three-year prison sentence. All defendants were fined twenty thousand dinars. They were also permanently deprived of their civil rights. The court ordered the confiscation of the seized materials. Vehicles used in the smuggling operation were also confiscated.
The office also noted ongoing efforts. These efforts include pursuing defendants absent from the trial. Investigative authorities renewed arrest warrants. These warrants target perpetrators and accomplices located in Malta. This action precedes re-submitting their extradition requests.