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Rabat – Morocco’s security services carried out a joint operation, seizing 7 tonnes of cannabis resin on Friday in Mehdia, Kenitra.
Morocco’s judicial police, maritime patrols under the Royal Gendarmerie, and Royal Navy carried out the operation, a statement from the General Directorate of National Security (DGSN) has said.
The operation took place after the General Directorate of Territorial Surveillance (DGST) shared precise information about the drug trafficking attempt.
The information revealed the involvement of sailors operating on an inshore fishing boat in an attempt to smuggle cannabis.
The security services jointly cooperated in the operation, enabling members of the Royal Maritime Gendarmerie and the Royal Navy to intercept the boat 54 kilometers off Mehdia.
Police arrested seven suspects for their alleged involvement in the case.
They suspect that the arrested individuals have links with a criminal network active in international drug trafficking.
The suspects tried to get rid of the cannabis by throwing some of the drugs into the sea during Morocco’s police intervention.
Officers put all the suspects in custody for further investigation.
An investigation is still ongoing to arrest possible accomplices involved in the affair and to determine the ramifications of the network with international drug trafficking.
The operation is the third of its kind this week.
Moroccan police also seized over 3 tonnes of cannabis today in the city of El Jadida, near Casablanca.
A truck driver abandoned a truck carrying cannabis in a rural area of the city.
Police link the case to international drug trafficking.
Earlier this week, police also seized 4 tonnes of cannabis resin in the city of Asilah, northern Morocco. DGSN identified the operation as an international drug trafficking attempt.
In 2020, DGSN announced it arrested 97,564 people for their involvement in drug trafficking cases.
In the same year, Morocco seized 217.32 kilograms of cannabis resin and its derivatives. The number represents an increase of 37 tonnes compared to 2019.
