The authorities in Tunisia have seized large quantities of food products and goods illegally stored across several governorates as part of a nationwide crackdown on speculation and monopolistic practices.
Units from the Ministry of Interior carried out extensive operations on Sunday, October 19, targeting traders and networks operating outside legal frameworks, according to a security source quoted by public media. Several illegal networks were dismantled during simultaneous raids conducted in different parts of the country.
The operations focused mainly on clandestine warehouses and slaughterhouses used to store or process food products outside official supply chains. Significant quantities of essential goods were confiscated and reintroduced into wholesale and authorised distribution markets to ensure their availability at reasonable prices, the same source added.
The authorities issued multiple citations against offenders, several of whom were arrested and referred to the judiciary. The coordinated operation involved the national guard, the so-called economic police, and the trade ministry as part of a national campaign to curb speculative practices driving up consumer prices.
These measures come as the government intensifies economic inspections to combat hoarding and illegal storage — particularly in the food, fuel, and livestock sectors.
For months, Tunisia has been grappling with persistent inflation and intermittent shortages of basic commodities such as semolina, sugar, and vegetable oil. Officials say the crackdown aims to “restore market transparency” and protect citizens’ purchasing power.
MK/ak/lb/as/APA