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Fez – Police in Guelmim thwarted a drug traffic operation and seized 3.219 tons of cannabis resin on November 13.
The operation led to the arrest of five people aged between 34 and 47, including two with criminal records.
The suspects are said to have links with an international criminal network active in drug trafficking.
According to a statement from the Directorate General of National Security (DGSN), the first suspect was arrested by police at the checkpoint at the Guelmim’s entrance onboard a light vehicle.
The suspect had two marine engines in the vehicle. Investigations led to arresting the other suspects allegedly involved in the criminal network in Guelmim.
DGSN said research conducted at suspects’ homes in the rural area of “Sbouya,” around 30 kilometers from Guelmim, led to the confiscation of three cars, two inflatable boats, and four additional marine engines. The 3.219 tonnes of drugs were concealed in 98 bundles, noted the DGSN statement.
The suspects have been placed in custody under judicial supervision pending further investigation to shed more light on the case.
The operation was carried out as part of Morocco’s efforts to combat drug trafficking and smugglers.
DGSN services seized 217 tonnes and 323 kilograms of cannabis in 2020, an increase of 37 tonnes compared to 2019. In 2020, police also arrested 97, 564 people for their involvement in drug trafficking cases.
Cannabis is among the most popular drugs in Morocco. A report from the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) showed that Moroccan security services seized approximately 300 tonnes of cannabis plants in 2019.
The figures put Morocco in sixth place worldwide in terms of the number of psychoactive substances seized.
