400 Kilos of Cannabis Seized from ’Empty’ Moroccan Truck Near French Border

On November 3, 2024, the customs officers of the Pyrénées-Orientales carried out a road check at the Boulou toll barrier on the A9 motorway, in the Spain-France direction. Their attention was drawn to a road train registered in Morocco for the tractor and in France for the trailer. Two individuals of Moroccan nationality were on board the vehicle.

The driver told the agents that he was traveling empty. A first inspection of the trailer seemed to confirm his statements. However, the customs officers decided to carry out a more thorough check of the heavy goods vehicle, reports actu.fr.

This check made it possible to uncover a large quantity of cannabis pollen hidden in the pallet doors, under the trailer. In total, 14 "Moroccan suitcases" containing 376 kilos of cannabis were discovered.

The two men were immediately placed in customs detention and then handed over to the Perpignan Anti-Narcotics Office (OFAST).

On Wednesday, January 29, 2025, they appeared before the Perpignan court. The driver was sentenced to 4 years in prison and the passenger to 3 years in prison, with continued detention for both. The court also imposed a 10-year ban from French territory and a customs fine of 3,760,000 euros.