US State Department seeks $41 million to reopen Libya embassy

Libyan Attorney General reports 65,000 units of banned pesticides seized, 202 suspects arrested, and lack of port control

The Public Prosecution's campaign against banned pesticides in Libya has resulted in the seizure of approximately 65,000 units of prohibited or non-compliant pesticides. The operation led to 236 registered cases, the arrest of 202 suspects, and the pursuit of 73 wanted individuals. This followed extensive inspections of 76 farms, 63 companies, 9 warehouses, and 368 pesticide outlets. Laboratory tests of 774 vegetable samples from major markets in Tripoli, Misrata, and Benghazi confirmed residues of banned pesticides and others exceeding permissible limits. The prosecution is now tracing the entry routes of these substances to take legal action. Minister of Economy and Trade Suhail Abu Shiha stated that the issue affects over 10 million consumers in Libya and mentioned that US$900 million in documentary credits was allocated to the agricultural sector for 2025. Attorney General Siddig Al-Sour critically remarked on the government's lack of control over all entry points, stating that drugs, perished food, and expired goods are entering Libya through all ports. He also revealed his unsuccessful request for an international goods tracking company for Libya's imports.