Rabat – The National Office for Drug Control, working in collaboration with the American Federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), intercepted a major international drug smuggling attempt.
The operation took place at the port of Tangier in the Mediterranean, where authorities seized a staggering 215 kilograms and 822 grams of cocaine, according to a statement.
ميناء طنجة المتوسط..ضبط 215 كيلوغراما و822 غراما من مخدر الكوكايين ضمن أكياس موصولة بشرائح إلكترونية لتحديد المواقع، كانت على متن باخرة أجنبية للشحن قادمة من البرازيل، وذلك في عملية أمنية نفذتها الفرقة الوطنية للشرطة القضائية بتنسيق مع السلطات الأمريكية المكلفة بمكافحة المخدرات pic.twitter.com/QsZEnieOk2
— DGSN MAROC (@DGSN_MAROC) December 11, 2023
The operation, which was conducted on Monday, targeted a sea transport vessel flying the flag of a European nation.
Departing from a Brazilian port and bound for Rotterdam in the Netherlands, the vessel was found to be carrying illicit cargo, the statement explains.
During the inspection, law enforcement found five GPS locator devices concealed among the smuggled cocaine packages.
In addition, discrepancies between container seals and accompanying documentation raised suspicions, prompting authorities to launch a more thorough investigation.
Authorities have entrusted the National Office for Drug Control, under the oversight of the concerned public prosecutor’s office, with the task of uncovering the entirety of the criminal network involved.
The investigation aims to identify all individuals associated with the operation and trace their regional and international connections, working closely with the Rabat Interpol office.
As the investigation unfolds, specialized police dog units continue to inspect the remaining contents of the seized container, using “cutting-edge” detection equipment to ensure the absence of any other illegal substances, the statement adds.
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