French Drug Kingpin Sofiane Hambli Arrested in Morocco After Months on the Run

Sofiane Hambli, 46, had been on the run since last March until his arrest in a Tangier clinic on Friday, October 22, 2021. The man considered a key figure in the scandal of the importation of 7 tons of cannabis into France in 2015 was admitted to this clinic after being assaulted in the streets of the city, according to the AFP. This scandal had also led to the dismissal of the former head of the anti-drug fight, François Thierry.

Sofiane Hambli was wanted in connection with another drug trafficking case, reports L’Obs. Information confirmed by a source close to the case. According to the same source, the fugitive was admitted to the clinic under false German papers "with a 20-centimeter wound on his cheek" caused by "a sword or machete". His prognosis is still "reserved", it is specified. "As soon as he is recovered, we will go and get him," said a source close to the case on the French side.