Morocco Launches Nationwide Crackdown on Criminal Gangs in Major Cities

Authorities have launched a large-scale crackdown operation in several cities of the kingdom to dismantle gangs and apprehend these criminals who disturb the peace of the population, reports the daily Assabah, specifying that law enforcement has deployed in recent days roadblocks and checkpoints in several strategic areas to apprehend suspects. Royal Gendarmerie elements have also been positioned on secondary roads to prevent criminals from fleeing.

In Tetouan, special police units are conducting night raids in sensitive neighborhoods to arrest individuals involved in illegal weapons or drug trafficking. The police prefect of Tangier, for his part, has recently strengthened controls in the most vulnerable neighborhoods in response to the increase in assaults and homicides in the city. Motorcycle riders, often involved in snatch thefts, are subject to particular attention. Patrols also comb remote and rugged areas, considered as hideouts for wanted criminals.

In Agadir, security forces have reinforced their presence in neighborhoods such as Tikiouine, Bensergao, Anza, Jirf or Tarast, known to be at risk, in order to dismantle criminal networks and reassure populations who feel increasingly insecure. This mobilization of law enforcement follows a series of acts of violence and delinquency filmed and shared on social media, including a brawl in the city center and a knife attack against police officers. In the same vein, the security authorities of Tikiouine have neutralized a repeat offender under the influence of hard drugs.