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Rabat – Three people have died while 18 others are currently under medical surveillance in the municipality of Sidi Alla Tazi, located 90 kilometers north of Rabat, following intoxication by an unfit-for-consumption alcoholic substance.
An investigation conducted by the Royal Gendarmerie identified suspects involved in the incident, leading to the apprehension of two individuals aged 41 and 21.
These individuals have subsequently been placed under medical supervision at the provincial hospital of Kenitra, pending updates on their health status, local authorities said on Monday.
The investigation aims to determine their alleged involvement in the manufacturing and distribution of harmful products detrimental to public health, resulting in deaths among Moroccan consumers.
The ongoing investigation, overseen by the prosecutor’s office, aims to uncover all details of the case.
Authorities are also working to establish the connections between the fatalities and the consumed alcoholic products. Efforts are underway to apprehend all individuals implicated in these criminal activities.
Read Also: 13 People Die of Alcohol Poisoning in Northern Moroccan City
Similar incidents have previously occurred in Morocco where the DGSN carried out several crackdown operations on poisoned alcohol production and marketing.
A royal decree from 1967 prohibits any establishment from selling or offering alcoholic beverages to Muslim citizens. Tourists are the exception to this law.
Despite the strict prohibition, many Moroccans still have access to alcohol through licensed bars, restaurants, and shops primarily catering to tourists while some Moroccans obtain it through illegal channels.
Alcohol remains a major revenue generator in Morocco. According to figures from the Customs and Tax Administration (TIC), the sale of alcoholic beverages brought in around MAD 1.4 billion in 2016.
Although Moroccan alcohol consumption decreased by 40% from 2010 to 2016, they still drank an average of 24.5 liters per person in 2016, according to the WHO.
Despite its forbidden nature on both the religious and legal levels, alcohol consumption in Morocco remains widespread.
