Somali police nab containers full of contraband alcohol

Customs and police authorities in Dusamareeb town have seized and destroyed on Tuesday a container full of contraband alcohol.

The consignment was found in a house at the heart of the town and was thought to be a warehouse. A similar seizure was made at the airport last year in the capital Mogadishu.

Police commander Abdullahi Hassan Maalim confirmed the seizure of the contraband alcohol. Abdullahi said they have arrested three suspects and will be arraigned in court in the coming days.

Photos showed the consignment full of alcoholic drinks under the keen watch of the relevant authorities.

The police have warned distributors and people engaged in this illegal business to stop their activities.

The administration of the town in collaboration with Galmudug Police and security forces in Dhusamareb town destroyed all the bottles of the alcohol seized in the operation.

Police and NISA, the intelligence agency officials in the town of Dhusamareb jointly carried out the operation.

Somalia is a predominantly Muslim country with strict regulations on alcohol use. The country has a long coastal line making it a crucial player in sea transport. Strict punishment is dealt with those who disrespect the Islamic laws within the country.

The country is suffering from insurgent activities by the al-Shabaab militants who are fighting the government in a bid to impose a strict interpretation of Shariah – Islamic law.