Police Seize 1.1 Tonnes of Cannabis in Tangier

Rabat – Morocco’s General Directorate of Territorial Surveillance (DGST) and the General Directorate of National Security (DGSN) seized 1.107 tonnes of hash in Tangier and arrested an individual suspected to be part of a criminal network active in international drug trafficking.

Judicial police carried out the arrest operation in collaboration with the Royal Gendarmerie, and the arrest took place in a warehouse located in the region of Hakama near Tangier, said a statement from DGSN.

DGSN said the search operation in the warehouse led to the seizure of seven large bags containing 243 kilograms of drugs.

Police also confiscated an inflatable boat thought to have been used in international drug trafficking operations.

The search operation also led to the arrest of a suspect, aged 41, with multiple criminal records.

The suspect tried to flee in a vehicle loaded with drugs, but he was arrested in the Bni Makada district in Tangier, the same source noted.

A police inspector was forced to use his weapon by firing warning shots to keep at bay individuals who attempted to prevent the arrest of the suspect.

The search operations of the suspect’s vehicle led to the seizure of 24 bundles weighing 864 kilograms of chira drug, the statement said, noting that the total quantity of drugs seized amounted to 1.107 tonnes.

The suspect has been placed in police custody pending an investigation being conducted under the supervision of the prosecutor to identify the criminal network and arrest other individuals involved in drug trafficking.

DGSN services have significantly increased efforts to track down drug and human trafficking in the country.

In 2020, Moroccan police seized 217 tonnes and 323 kilograms of cannabis, an increase of 37 tonnes compared to 2019.

Approximately 97.564 people were arrested in the same year for their involvement in drug trafficking affairs.