TUNIS, June 18 (Xinhua) -- Tunisian security forces had dismantled two international criminal networks involved in drug trafficking, money laundering, extortion and contract killings, arresting 25 suspects, the Ministry of the Interior announced Thursday.
In a statement, the ministry said the operation forms part of ongoing national efforts to combat organized crime and thwart plots threatening the country's security and stability.
The operation was carried out after extensive intelligence gathering and coordinated technical and field investigations with relevant security agencies.
According to the ministry, investigations conducted in coordination with the public prosecutor's office led to the arrest of 25 suspects, including most of the leaders and members of the two criminal networks.
Authorities also seized a number of luxury cars, motorcycles and pleasure boats allegedly acquired through illicit activities in Tunisia and abroad, as well as substantial quantities of narcotics and large sums of cash.
The ministry did not reveal the precise timing of the operation or the identities of those detained. ■