Moroccan Authorities Bust International Drug Ring Using Helicopters to Smuggle Cannabis to Portugal

The investigation into an international drug trafficking operation involving half a ton of Chira (cannabis resin) transported by helicopter from the Gharb region to Portugal has proven fruitful. The national brigade of judicial investigations under the high command of the Royal Gendarmerie has arrested four barons - three of whom have criminal records - and an auxiliary forces agent suspected of complicity, reports the Arabic-language daily Al Akhbar. They are the subject of an investigation ordered by the investigating judge.

During their interrogation, the drug traffickers revealed the identity of the mastermind of the operation, who is also said to be the owner of the cargo. This fifth baron is the subject of a joint investigation by the Moroccan security services and their Portuguese counterparts.