Morocco Seizes Record 1.35 Tons of Cocaine in 2021, Over 100,000 Arrested in Drug Crackdown

According to the statistics it published this week, the DGSN handled more than 80,000 cases of drug trafficking and possession of drugs and psychotropic substances, which allowed it to arrest and bring before the courts 103,000 people, including 261 foreign nationals.

During the year, the National Security made a record seizure of 1.35 tons of cocaine against 132 kilos in 2020. The drug was seized on October 18 in the port of Tangier, coming from Brazil and destined for the ports of Antwerp (Belgium) and Portbury (southern England).

To read: Major Drug Bust: 5 Arrested in Morocco with Over 3 Tons of Cannabis

The Moroccan police also seized several large quantities of other drugs such as cannabis resin (191.16 tons) and heroin (3 kilos). This week again, 12 tons of drugs were seized in a truck near Tangier and a suspected drug baron was arrested. In total, the DGSN and the General Directorate of Territorial Surveillance (DGST) seized around 1.5 million psychotropic tablets, including more than 50,000 ecstasy tablets, a record increase of more than 200% compared to 2020.

It should be recalled that Morocco adopted a law in May last year legalizing the pharmaceutical and industrial use of cannabis. It will likely come into force next year, after the publication of implementing decrees to determine the geographical areas concerned.