Rabat — Police in Kenitra foiled an unusual robbery attempt on Wednesday, August 20, when a 17-year-old boy threatened to detonate what he claimed was a bomb inside a local store.
The teenager told the shopkeeper he had an explosive device before fleeing the scene.
A mobile police patrol from the emergency response unit quickly caught him near the store after receiving an alert.
Bomb contains only table salt
Technical teams and specialized police dogs searched the suspicious package.
They discovered the device was nothing more than a plastic bag filled with table salt connected to electrical wires.
The fake bomb contained no explosives or detonation mechanism.
The investigation revealed the suspect has no fixed address in Kenitra, and is homeless, difficult circumstances that were potentially a factor in his motivation to attempt the crime.
Teen under police supervision
Police placed the minor under surveillance following instructions from the prosecutor’s office.
Investigators continue to examine the case to determine the exact circumstances and real motivations behind the attempted robbery.
The incident demonstrates both the quick response of local law enforcement and the desperate measures some young people take when facing poverty and homelessness.
