Morocco’s War on Drugs: Major Busts Expose Sophisticated Trafficking Networks

The mixed teams of the DGSN and customs are redoubling their vigilance at Bab Sebta, the main border crossing to Europe, successfully thwarting on a daily basis attempts to illegally introduce cocaine or psychotropic drugs into the kingdom or to export cannabis resin abroad. Recently, the Moroccan security forces arrested a 44-year-old resident of Sebta as she was trying to bring in 4.77 kg of cocaine, reports the daily Al Ahdath Al Maghribia. A Spanish couple of Moroccan origin traveling with their three children in an SUV was also arrested in the middle of the night, in possession of 137 kg of cannabis resin carefully hidden in the vehicle. The Moroccan police and customs also intercepted 35 kg of cannabis transported by a French national.

The criminal networks are ingenious in transporting their illicit cargoes without getting caught. But the close collaboration between the DGSN, customs and the Royal Gendarmerie helps to limit the trafficking of drugs and psychotropic substances from northern Morocco. On August 9, the judicial police of Tetouan, in coordination with the DGST and the Gendarmerie, managed to dismantle a cocaine trafficking network. A father and son were arrested in the rural area of El Kharba with 4.6 kg of cocaine, before the main suspect was arrested in El Drader, despite violent resistance. The cocaine, as well as bladed and firearms, electronic scales, vehicles and forged license plates were seized. The main suspect was the subject of two national arrest warrants for drug and psychotropic trafficking.

A joint operation conducted by the DGST and the Central Gendarmerie in Sidi Allal Bahraoui allowed the neutralization of a migrant trafficking network from Fnideq. Similarly, the Royal Gendarmerie, with the support of the DGST, recently intercepted more than 12,000 Rivotril tablets and 84 Lyrica tablets, as well as fake plates and suspicious sums of money in Sidi Redouane. Clearly, this synergy of action by the various security forces is effectively combating drug trafficking and organized crime.