French Drug Lord Sentenced to 15 Years While Hiding in Morocco

Already sentenced to eight years in prison for drug trafficking, Abdelkader Zemouli fled to Morocco after realizing he was being monitored by the judicial police. Prosecutor Delphine Dumas had requested sixteen years in prison against him and demanded the return to detention of the other people involved in the case, released during the investigation.

At the end of the five-day trial, "Zem" was sentenced in absentia to a fifteen-year prison sentence and a fine of 150,000 euros. His bank accounts in France and Italy will be frozen and he will be banned from staying in the Alpes-Maritimes for five years. After this sentence, the court, chaired by Alain Chemama, issued an arrest warrant against him, reports Nice Matin.

Another defendant, Zohair Belmiloud, with a very heavy criminal record, admitted to having transported drugs several times from Spain and the Netherlands. He was sentenced to six years in prison and will remain in prison, just like Thomas Begna, acquitted of drug trafficking, but remains guilty of unjustified resources. He was sentenced to three years in prison. Another defendant, appearing free, was also sentenced to three years in prison.

The other defendants were sentenced to sentences that can be adjusted, to be served under electronic surveillance at home. Most of them, attracted by the lure of gain, were recruited to participate in occasional drug convoys between Spain and the Alpes-Maritimes for 2,000 to 3,000 euros. The defendants and the prosecution have ten days to appeal the decision.