The "Messi of hashish" is making headlines again

Abdellah El Haj Sadek is one of the most elusive criminals in Europe. Considered a major leader in drug trafficking, he took refuge in Morocco in 2019, stating in a public letter that he feared for his integrity due to "unbearable police pressure". Despite his fugitive status, the Spanish police remain convinced that he continues to run his criminal networks from across the border.

On Bladi.net: From Tangier to Dubai, then Turkey: the new exile of the drug barons of the strait

His name has resurfaced during the operation carried out by the UDYCO against a "drug tunnel" in Ceuta. According to El Faro de Ceuta, wiretaps have revealed close ties between the fugitive and a Civil Guard who is now in pre-trial detention. The latter, during private conversations intercepted by the investigators, did not hesitate to openly refer to the trafficker as a "friend", stating that he no longer wanted any trouble.

The investigators suspect exchanges of favors in return for lavish gifts, including luxury watches worth 130,000 euros. The Civil Guard reportedly claimed to have received one of these jewels during a visit to the trafficker’s home: "Take it, it’s for you, my brother". The defendant also stated that the "Messi of hashish" had given an identical model to the footballer Sergio Ramos during a party.

On Bladi.net: Hunted by Europol, the "Messi of hashish" makes an unexpected appearance

Although on Europol’s list of priority targets, the man leads a relatively public life in northern Morocco, where he has been spotted at sporting events. Due to a lack of sufficient international cooperation, the Spanish authorities still cannot obtain his arrest. He continues to evade the Spanish justice system for his numerous pending legal cases.