Egypt busts billion-pound drug farm in Ismailia desert raid

Police seize 27.5 tonnes of narcotics, weapons in one of 2025’s biggest operations

Last updated: September 25, 2025 | 10:28

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Egypt busts billion-pound drug farm in Ismailia desert raid

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Dubai: In a sweeping pre-emptive strike, Egypt’s Interior Ministry busted a highly dangerous criminal network that had been cultivating, producing, and storing drugs on a remote desert farm in Ismailia, authorities said.

The raid uncovered 27.5 tonnes of narcotics, including 21 tonnes of fully grown plants and 6.5 tonnes in secret storage, along with 90 kilograms of hashish and 10 kilograms of hydro found on one suspect, according to a statement on the ministry’s official Facebook page.

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Security forces also seized an arsenal of firearms, including an automatic rifle and a shotgun, underscoring the gang’s capacity for violence. The farm, located in a secluded area of the desert hinterland, had been used as a front for large-scale drug cultivation.

Authorities estimated the haul’s market value at 1.6 billion Egyptian pounds ($52 million), marking one of the largest security operations of 2025.

Under Egyptian law, cultivating or manufacturing narcotics carries penalties of death or life imprisonment, with assets subject to confiscation. The suspects also face charges of illegal weapons possession.

Khitam Al AmirChief News Editor

With over 30 years of journalistic experience spanning from Jordan to the UAE, Khitam has spent the past 22 years reporting on national and regional news from Dubai, with a strong focus on the UAE, GCC and broader Arab affairs. As Chief News Editor, she brings extensive expertise in delivering breaking and engaging news to readers. Beginning her tenure as a translator, she advanced through roles as Senior Translator and Chief Translator before transitioning to editorial positions, culminating in her current leadership role. Her responsibilities encompass monitoring breaking news across the UAE and the broader Arab region, ensuring timely and accurate dissemination to the public. Born into a family of journalists, Khitam's passion for news was ignited early in life. A defining moment in her youth occurred in September 1985 when she had the opportunity to converse with the late British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher during her visit to a Palestinian refugee camp north of Amman. During this encounter, Khitam shared her family's experiences of displacement from their home in Palestine and their subsequent refuge in Jordan. This poignant interaction not only deepened her understanding of geopolitical issues but also solidified her commitment to pursuing a career in journalism, aiming to shed light on the stories of those affected by regional conflicts. Khitam’s commitment to accurate and timely reporting drives her to seek out news that interests readers, making her a trusted source for news on the UAE and the broader Gulf region.

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