Rabat – The Royal Moroccan Gendarmerie has seized large quantities of a dangerous chemical near the small town of Moulay Bousselham, 120 kilometers south of Tangier. According to Moroccan newspaper Al Massae, gendarmes identified the chemical as nitric acid.
Scientists and senior members of the Royal Moroccan Gendarmerie discovered the nitric acid hidden in a truck.
The driver of the vehicle claimed that the chemicals were “agricultural pesticides intended for a strawberry farm and produced in Mohammedia,” Al Massae reported. According to the Royal Gendarmerie, the quantity of nitric acid seized is “often used in the manufacturing of explosives.”
Upon further investigation, the Royal Moroccan Gendarmerie reports that the truck’s license plates were non-compliant and falsified. The driver also failed to produce proof of authorization for the handling of the chemicals.
The Royal Moroccan Gendarmerie has arrested the driver and placed him in custody.
Upon request from the gendarmerie, the National Office of the Agricultural Council and the National Office of Food Safety plans to write a report on the chemicals as the investigation continues.
