Libyan authorities say they have intercepted about 100,000 ecstasy pills bearing the face and distinctive robes of former leader Muammar Gaddafi.

Tripoli, Libya (Running Africa) — Libyan authorities say they have seized about 100,000 ecstasy pills molded in the likeness of former leader Muammar Gaddafi after intercepting a suspected drug shipment that arrived by sea from Europe.

Al Rada for Combating Terrorism and Organized Crime, a security agency operating under Libya’s Tripoli-based Presidential Council, said officers intercepted the shipment after receiving intelligence that a criminal group was preparing to transport the drugs into the country.

The agency said several suspects had been referred to prosecutors following the operation.

Gaddafi-Shaped Pills Found Hidden in Cargo Van

According to Al Rada, the tablets were discovered concealed inside a cargo van after the shipment arrived at an unnamed Libyan port.

Images released by the agency showed brown tablets molded to resemble Gaddafi’s head and shoulders, including facial features and his distinctive clothing.

Authorities identified the pills as “XTC,” commonly known as ecstasy.

Officials did not disclose which European country the shipment originated from, identify the Libyan port where it was intercepted, or release the names of the suspects.

Muammar Gaddafi Image Used on Ecstasy Tablets

The unusual design of the tablets has drawn additional attention because of Gaddafi’s enduring place in Libya’s modern history.

Gaddafi ruled Libya for 42 years before being overthrown and killed during the country’s 2011 uprising.

His removal was followed by years of armed conflict and political fragmentation, leaving rival authorities and security organizations operating across different parts of the country.

Libya Faces Growing Synthetic Drug Trafficking Challenge

The seizure comes amid concerns over synthetic drug trafficking through Libya and other parts of North Africa.

A United Nations report released in January identified Libya as an increasingly important transit route for synthetic drugs, with trafficking networks exploiting instability and a fragmented security environment.

The interception of the Gaddafi-shaped tablets highlights the continuing challenge facing Libyan authorities as they attempt to disrupt international drug trafficking networks operating through the country.

Investigations into the shipment and the suspects allegedly involved remain ongoing, while authorities have not disclosed the estimated street value of the seized pills.