Aden (South24 Center)

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June witnessed a significant escalation in the anti-narcotics operations by South Yemeni security forces, as the menace of drug smuggling and trafficking grows across land and maritime borders. A series of coordinated raids led to the seizure of large quantities of pills and hashish, along with the dismantling of local and regional networks including foreign elements.

Largest Drug Bust 

On June 24, the Security Belt Forces in Aden thwarted a major smuggling operation, seizing 646,290 pregabalin pills hidden in a vehicle tracked to the outskirts of Dar Saad district.

Aden’s Security Belt Forces seize 646,000 Pregabalin pills in a major anti-smuggling operation in Dar Saad district – Source: Der' Al-Janoub, Tuesday, June 24, 2025.

In a statement published by Dir' Al-Janoub" (Southern Shield), the media outlet of the Southern Forces, Brigadier Jalal Al-Ruba’i, commander of Aden’s Security Belt Forces, confirmed that the operation was conducted in coordination with the Land Protection Unit. He described drugs as "a threat no less deadly than war".

Investigations revealed that the shipment was smuggled by sea. The primary suspect has been identified and is currently being pursued.

Boat Intercepted in Bab al-Mandab

Today (June 28), joint security forces seized a boat carrying half a ton of hashish off the coast of Al-Mudaraba and Ras Al-Ara in Lahj governorate.

According to a statement by Alwiyat Al-Amalqa Al-Janubiya (Southern Giants Brigades), armed clashes erupted before forces were able to arrest the smugglers and secure the vessel. The smugglers were handed over to the judicial authorities. 

Joint security forces seize a boat carrying half a ton of hashish off the Bab al-Mandab coast – Source: Southern Giants Brigades Media Center, June 28, 2025

Widespread Operations

• June 26: Coastal Security Belt Forces in Abyan arrested a suspect at the Shuqra Triangle checkpoint with five kg of hashish concealed in a vehicle. The suspect admitted receiving the shipment from Ain Bama’abed in Shabwa for delivery to an undisclosed party.

• June 20: Security Belt Forces in Al-Dhalea conducted two raids:

o A Somali woman was caught with 600 strips of narcotic pills at a northern Maris border crossing on route from Sanaa to Aden.

o A civilian vehicle was intercepted with a professionally concealed cache of hashish, indicating organized trafficking.

Aden’s Security Department arrests suspect in possession of hashish and narcotic pills in Al-Basateen – Source: Der' Al-Janoub, Friday, June 13, 2025 

• June 5: One of Aden’s largest drug rings was dismantled, following a multi-day investigation targeting residential areas. Colonel Musleh Al-Dharhani, Dar Saad police chief, confirmed the seized drugs had a street value of 120 million Yemeni riyals ($44,000).

Additional June Raids in Aden

• June 13: Al-Basateen police arrested a suspect with 213 pregabalin strips, four hashish blocks, and a precision scale in a city hotel.

• June 11: A man was detained at Al-Qasr checkpoint in Al-Buraiqa with narcotic pills and hashish.

• June 8: Anti-drug forces raided a site in Al-Mansoura, arresting a dealer targeting minors.

• June 4: Five suspects were held in Basira with hashish rolls and drug-manufacturing materials. The same day, Security Belt Forces in Lahj seized pregabalin pills at the Al-Husseini checkpoint.

Calls for Community Cooperation

Authorities have urged public collaboration to report the dealers, and emphasized expanded surveillance at security checkpoints and sea routes. Colonel Ihab Ahmed, Aden’s anti-narcotics director, stated that security forces are working "round the clock" to curb the threat, but stressed the need for a comprehensive national strategy amid rising addiction among the youth.

This crackdown reflects growing security efforts to combat narcotics as both a public health and national security threat.