Morocco Cracks Down on Summer Gold Smuggling Ring at Major Airports

Customs inspectors are preparing to strengthen their actions at border crossing points, particularly at the Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca, to thwart attempts to illegally bring gold into Morocco during this summer season. Traffickers are showing ingenuity and strategy in their illegal activities, using elderly women to transport gold, with the complicity of public officials holding key positions.

These "carriers" coming mainly from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey and the United Kingdom, transit through the Mohammed V airports in Casablanca and Marrakech-Menara or other border points in Morocco to introduce the gold into the local market or continue their journey to Mauritania. The customs administration has noted an increase in gold smuggling from these Gulf and European countries, where 22 and 24 carat gold is offered at affordable prices.

To limit this gold trafficking, inspectors from the regional customs control services will now require merchants to present import-export documents as well as sales invoices for registered jewelry, in order to verify their origin. They will also double their vigilance in examining declarations and ownership documents relating to gold jewelry and ornaments declared for personal use.

The quantity, weight and value of second-hand jewelry, such as rings, bracelets, chains, necklaces or earrings, considered as personal effects, will also be subject to rigorous control. All these actions will be carried out in coordination with the services of the National Financial Intelligence Authority (ANRF).