UN Drug Control Board Praises Morocco’s Anti-Trafficking Efforts Amid Pandemic

In its 2021 report, the INCB highlighted the efforts made by Morocco in the fight against organized crime, money laundering, drug trafficking and drug addiction during the Covid-19 pandemic. In 2020, the Moroccan authorities seized more than 450 tons of cannabis. They also seized more than 1.3 tons of cocaine at the port of Tanger Med in October 2021 and two cocaine shipments of 460 kilograms from Brazil and 1,539 kilograms from Colombia in January 2021, the report states. The INCB also commends Morocco for the passage of Law 13.21 on the legalization of its lawful use for medical and industrial purposes.

The money generated by drug trafficking is laundered through the acquisition of real estate, vehicles and jewelry. Based on this finding, Morocco has strengthened its legal arsenal. "Morocco has strengthened its anti-money laundering regime through coordination and capacity building," as well as by "adopting a national risk assessment and institutionalizing a national committee to coordinate the country’s anti-money laundering efforts," the INCB said. Due to the increase in money laundering investigations, money laundering criminal cases reached 193 in 2020 compared to 30 in 2019.

Regarding the treatment of drug addiction during the Covid-19 pandemic, the UN agency said the kingdom was providing telemedicine services. The Ministry of Health has also launched an online learning module on drug use prevention for NGOs and health professionals, as well as a pilot center for incarcerated persons. Four more centers are expected to open in different Moroccan regions, the report states.