International Customs crackdown stops tonnes of dual‑use materials bound for illicit IED manufacture

International Seizures Nigeria Seizures

Posted by TGANB-Admin on 2025-12-04 06:39:26 |

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In a sweeping four‑week operation named Operation GLOBAL GATEWAY, 93 Customs administrations worldwide intensified border inspections and achieved 475 seizures of materials used for illicit bomb production. The operation, coordinated by World Customs Organization (WCO), resulted in the confiscation of over 54 tonnes of explosive precursors — along with 76,110 IED components, 17,252 metres of detonating cords, 1,550 metres of safety fuses, and more than 3,000 drone‑related parts.

These dual‑use materials, though legally traded for industrial purposes, are often diverted by organised crime or terrorist groups to produce thousands of improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The volume and variety of seized items highlight how legitimate supply chains can be exploited for illicit weapon manufacture, especially in or near conflict zones.

WCO Secretary General emphasised that such coordinated multinational operations are vital for enforcing legal trade, preventing misuse, and safeguarding global security.

The success of this operation underscores the critical role of customs enforcement — combining robust risk‑profiling, inspections, and cross‑border cooperation — to disrupt trafficking of materials destined for violent misuse and help protect communities worldwide. 

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