French drug traffickers Morocco extradition cooperation 2024

The presence of French traffickers in Morocco is part of a long history. According to Dimitri Zoulas, head of the Anti-Drug Office, their networks were initially built around cannabis resin producers in the Rif, before turning to cocaine and money laundering.

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Some fugitives benefited from local contacts, significant financial resources and sometimes Moroccan nationality preventing their extradition. But the latter does not protect them against arrest and prosecution brought directly by Moroccan justice.

"Living hidden like a rat"

A fugitive settled in the Maghreb now describes a much less comfortable existence. Without contacts able to inform him about investigations, he explains, being on the run amounts to "living hidden like a rat". He describes a solitary life, punctuated by different phones, regular changes of hideouts and the use of encrypted communications.

The shift accelerated after France’s recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara, in October 2024. Exchanges in organized crime cases have since become much more fluid.

"With Morocco, cooperation is very good", says a source from the chancellery, evoking effective relations between judicial authorities and political leaders, reports Le Monde.

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For French drug traffickers, a passport and accumulated fortunes are therefore no longer enough to guarantee the peace of mind some thought they would enjoy in Morocco.