A recent report from the United Nations Security Council’s Panel of Experts on Yemen has confirmed the involvement of the Houthi group, classified as a terrorist organization, in the trafficking of drugs and antiquities.

In its latest annual report, published by "Bran Press," the panel highlighted the significant sums of money the Houthis have accrued from these "illicit" resources, accusing the group of funding itself through "organized smuggling."

The report noted an increase in drug trafficking and trade within Yemen, referencing incidents reported by Yemeni authorities about seized drug shipments. It also mentioned that international maritime forces encountered sailing vessels transporting these cargoes.

One notable case involved a seizure of drugs hidden in sugar containers at the Port of Aden. The report detailed that Yemen’s Counter-Terrorism Unit informed the panel about a large quantity of drugs confiscated from a sugar container marked as (536854) aboard the vessel Vanesa MSC, which had arrived from Brazil. The case resulted in the conviction of Mohammed Ibrahim Ahmed Al-Matari, sentenced to 25 years in prison, a term later reduced to 12 years upon appeal.

The panel conducted interviews with counter-terrorism officials in Aden in March and July 2024, uncovering the Houthis' role in the drug trafficking operation.

Additionally, the report indicated the Houthis' involvement in the smuggling of cultural property and antiquities. Various sources informed the panel that the group is engaged in the illegal trade of archaeological artifacts that are part of Yemen’s cultural heritage, selling them abroad.

On October 26, 2023, Yemeni customs authorities seized an ancient book containing 19 pages made of leather, inscribed in gold ink in Arabic, as part of their efforts to combat such trafficking.

The organized smuggling by the Houthis extends beyond drugs and antiquities, encompassing the trafficking of communication equipment and prohibited goods, including banned pesticides and unapproved pharmaceuticals.

The Panel of Experts, consisting of five members appointed by the UN Secretary-General, is tasked with assisting the Security Council in enforcing sanctions, providing regular reports on the implementation of these measures, and investigating violations of international law by all parties involved in the Yemeni conflict.