Tangier: drugs, scams, collapsing buildings... a year under tension

On the security front, the police have been busy. Tangier has established itself as a frontline against organized crime. The Tanger Med port has been the scene of spectacular seizures of cannabis resin and cocaine, confirming its role as a bulwark against cross-border mafias trying to flood Europe.

The courts have also been running at full capacity. The most resounding case remains undoubtedly the "Al Khayr group" affair. This vast pyramid scam, which deprived hundreds of victims, resulted in heavy sentences: a total of 71 years in prison for those responsible. An exemplary verdict in an attempt to stem the scourge of fictitious investments.

The social climate has darkened in places. Anger has been brewing in the face of the problem of dilapidated buildings and the dramatic collapses that have left their mark. Added to this are growing complaints about the hellish traffic and the deterioration of certain public spaces, fueling a sense of urban insecurity.

Despite these dark areas, the city’s economic momentum has not waned. Tourism has experienced a strong rebound and major infrastructure projects continue to transform the landscape, attracting investors and large-scale events.

At the beginning of 2026, Tangier must now solve a complex equation: maintain its spectacular growth while responding to the pressing expectations of its inhabitants in terms of security and housing. The coming year will have to provide concrete answers to these unresolved social challenges.