Denver – Judicial police in Casablanca announced they were opening an investigation into one adult and two youths accused of possessing a variety of explosive materials.
In a statement to the General Directorate of National Security, law enforcement officials reported they were initiating investigations into the three individuals after a fire was reported in the Bernoussi neighborhood in Casablanca. Officials discovered a bag containing nitrate, a highly explosive material, near the scene of the crime.
Further searches also revealed a stash of potassium, bleach, and canisters to turn the materials into firecrackers, according to the report. It is unclear what formal charges the individuals will face.
Under Article 54 of Moroccan law 22.16, however, individuals in possession of explosive substances or pyrotechnic materials face a potential sentence of 2 to 5 years imprisonment or a fine of 50,000 to 500,000 MAD – or both. The law also extends to the manufacture of explosive devices.
Law enforcement officials reported that intensive investigations into the original fire led officials to locate the three individuals, who are all allegedly affiliated with a local group of sports fans for a Casablanca sports team. The suspects were all taken to a local medical facility for treatment of burns they sustained during their attempt to manufacture explosives.
The suspects will be kept under medical observation pending the start of legal proceedings. Investigators also announced they were continuing the search around the area to ensure that all suspects involved in the operation are apprehended and prosecuted. Police are also looking into the background of the illicit explosives operation to determine the specific circumstances leading up to the crimes.
Rioting due to sporting events is not an uncommon occurrence in Morocco. During a 2017 match between two local clubs in Al Hoceima, fanatic sports fans caused injuries and property damages to the city before local law enforcement restored order.
Another riot that occurred at Mohammed V stadium in Casablanca in 2016 after a match between Raja Casablanca and Chabab Rif Hoceima left two people dead and 54 injured.
