Morocco Police Foil Beni Mellal Drug Smuggling, Arrest Five After Attack on Officer

Rabat – Police in Morocco arrested five suspects early today after a security operation linked to drug trafficking turned violent and left a police officer in critical condition.

Officers from the anti-gang brigade of the police prefecture in Beni Mellal carried out the operation in coordination with the Directorate General for Territorial Surveillance (DGST). 

The suspects face accusations related to drug trafficking, possession of psychotropic substances, and attempted murder of a police officer during the course of duty.

The intervention took place in the rural area of Bni Khirat, about 20 kilometers from Oued Zem. 

Judicial police units from Khouribga, Bejaad, Kasbat Tadla, and Oued Zem supported the operation on the ground, according to a statement from the General Directorate of National Security (DGSN).

Police intercepted two vehicles that carried the suspects, aged between 34 and 46. Investigators suspect the group transported drugs from a northern city before officers stopped them in Bni Khirat. 

Authorities said the suspects refused police orders and attempted to flee at high speed. During the confrontation, three police officers sustained minor injuries and received immediate care. 

A fourth officer suffered severe injuries after one of the vehicles deliberately struck him. The officer sustained multiple head and body injuries and was transferred to intensive care in critical condition.

Upon searches after the arrests, police uncovered large quantities of illegal substances. Officers seized two kilograms of cocaine, 310 kilograms of kif, 11 kilograms of cannabis resin, and nearly 73 kilograms of smuggled tobacco. 

Police also found a knife, an unauthorized hunting rifle, and two falsified license plates.

Checks in the national security database showed that two of the suspects were already the subject of several national arrest warrants issued by the Royal Gendarmerie and judicial police services in El Kelaa des Sraghna, Khouribga, and Beni Mellal. 

These warrants relate to suspected involvement in drug trafficking, possession of a firearm without authorization, attempted homicide, and participation in a criminal group.

The five suspects remain under judicial investigation under the supervision of the competent prosecutor’s office. Authorities seek to determine the full scope of the network and identify any accomplices connected to the operation.

Following the incident, the DGSN instructed medical and social services to monitor the injured officer’s condition and ensure proper support. Internal services will also review possible administrative recognition for the officer in light of his actions during the intervention.