Morocco Battles Spread of ’Boufa’, Dangerous New Street Drug

Responding to a written question from Mouvement Populaire (MR) deputy Abdenbi El Aidoudi on the current proliferation of videos on social media showing the victims of the worrying and recent spread of a drug called "boufa" or "cocaine of the poor" among young people, men and women, in certain cities, Interior Minister Abdelouafi Laftit presented the approach adopted in the fight against drugs, reports Hespress. This approach, he says, aims to restrict the supply and strengthen surveillance at border areas, as well as on the roads to combat drug trafficking, but also "to reduce demand by taking preventive measures, including awareness campaigns and strengthening the monitoring of public places frequented by young people and minors, such as cafes, clubs and game centers."

Thus, the services of the General Directorate of National Security (DGSN) have, in collaboration with 2,971 associations, organized, during the 2022/2023 school year, awareness campaigns for the benefit of 713,782 students enrolled in 8,675 educational establishments at different levels. In the same dynamic, security operations have been carried out around and near educational establishments during the same period. Actions that have borne fruit. In total, 3,870 cases were handled and 4,286 suspects were arrested, the minister said. Between January 2020 and May 2023, a total of 200 cases related to the "boufa" drug were processed. None were recorded near educational institutions. About three kilograms of this drug were seized and 282 people were arrested as part of these cases. They were brought to justice.

In his written question, El Aidoudi stated that "boufa" is a new drug, considered one of the most dangerous, which is invading certain areas of Moroccan cities, particularly marginalized and underprivileged neighborhoods, due to its low cost and the speed of addiction it causes. "This situation represents a real threat to society and the lives of these individuals, causing great suffering for families, as it has serious consequences on health, social life, the economy and security," he specified.