Police Arrest Three Women in Marrakech for Selling Smuggled Weight-Gain Pills

Morocco has seen a growing spread of unregulated body-enhancement practices such as “lguedra” treatments and the illegal sale of weight-gain pills, often promoted through informal networks and social media despite health warnings.

Rabat – Marrakech police arrested three women on Tuesday on suspicion of possessing and selling smuggled pharmaceutical products that could endanger public health. The women, aged between 34 and 74, were allegedly promoting the products as treatments for weight gain under the cover of offering massage services.

According to a security source, the suspects were caught in the act while offering the illegal products for sale. A police search led to the seizure of 4,110 units of smuggled pharmaceutical items, including tablets, suppositories, and medical ointments.

Authorities say these products were being distributed without legal authorization and outside of any regulated medical framework.

During the same operation, police also discovered several traditional vacuum-style cups locally known as “lguedra”. These tools are linked to a practice promoted as a method for body shaping, particularly for increasing the size of the buttocks.

The technique typically involves placing a cup-like container on the skin and creating suction using a candle or air removal method. This is said to draw the skin inward and create temporary swelling.

While some practitioners claim it produces cosmetic results over multiple sessions, health experts say that the effect is not permanent and is mainly due to inflammation and fluid buildup in the tissue.

Medical concerns have been raised about repeated use of this method, as well as pills without a doctor’s prescription. While it may create a temporary increase in size due to swelling, it does not change body structure.

In some cases, repeated inflammation may lead to muscle damage, stiffness in the affected area, and other long-term complications.

Police say the women were operating under the cover of non-medical services, such as massage, while distributing unregulated products and promoting unverified cosmetic treatments. The seized items were not approved by health authorities.

The suspects have been placed in custody as part of an ongoing judicial investigation under the supervision of the public prosecutor’s office. Authorities are working to determine the full scope of the illegal activity and whether other individuals or networks are involved in the distribution of these products