Rabat – A Moroccan parliamentarian has been linked to the illegal of 27 sub-Saharan migrants into Melilla on May 17.
During a routine check for hashish, a policeman discovered 27 illegal immigrants hidden in a lorry rented under the name of a Moroccan member of parliament.
Spanish newspaper El Español reported that two vehicles were rented under the name of one of the Popular Movement’s politicians in the Nador region. It has also been revealed that the migrants would have entered the lorry in the gravel quarry owned by the politician’s family.
The male politician in question, who has only been named as S.R., retains various positions in regional and local assemblies as well as a seat in Rabat’s parliament.
It is possible that S.R.’s company has been involved with human trafficking. The politician himself has a criminal record in Belgium, and eight years ago he was accused of drug trafficking by the Nador Judicial Police, even though he did not receive a prison sentence.
Following interrogation, the migrants, mostly from Mali and Senegal, admitted each paying EUR 3,500 for this journey. Having been arrested for illegal entry, the detained were transferred to Safi, in accordance with the process that Moroccan Security Forces take when they find people trying to cross the border without paperwork.
Two drivers were arrested for human trafficking – the driver of the lorry carrying the migrants was found carrying EUR 21,000 in dirhams, and the driver of a nearby vehicle belonging to the same company (who was aware the former’s actions) was found in possession of EUR 5,000 in dirhams.
