Police Seize Over 2.4 Tons of Cannabis in Major Drug Bust Near Kenitra

Rabat — Moroccan security services seized more than 2.4 tons of cannabis and arrested a suspected drug trafficker during a large-scale anti-narcotics operation carried out near Kenitra in the early hours of Saturday.

The operation was conducted by judicial police officers from Kenitra in coordination with Morocco’s General Directorate for Territorial Surveillance (DGST), targeting a suspected criminal network involved in the trafficking of drugs and psychotropic substances.

Authorities carried out the raid in the rural area of Oulad Amlik, on the outskirts of Kenitra, where officers intercepted two utility vehicles loaded with illicit substances. While one of the drivers was arrested at the scene, the second suspect managed to flee and remains the subject of an ongoing manhunt.

Searches conducted as part of the operation led to the seizure of 2.429 tons of cannabis, 522 kilograms of smuggled tobacco, 133 kilograms of cannabis resin (hashish), 50 grams of cocaine, and five kilograms of powdered cannabis.

Investigators also confiscated six bladed weapons and 10 counterfeit vehicle registration plates believed to have been used to facilitate the criminal activity and evade law enforcement.

The arrested suspect has been placed in police custody pending further investigation under the supervision of the competent public prosecutor’s office.

Authorities said the investigation is ongoing to identify and apprehend other individuals linked to the network, as well as uncover the full scope of its criminal operations.

Earlier this month, the Spanish Civil Guard announced the seizure of nearly 4.8 tons of hashish during a coordinated maritime operation with Moroccan Royal Gendarmerie units in the Strait of Gibraltar. 

As the chase continued and the vessel approached waters near Morocco, coordination was established with Moroccan maritime units and the Royal Gendarmerie. Moroccan forces were mobilized to keep pressure on the boat and prevent it from escaping, according to the same source. 

The latest seizure is part of Morocco’s broader efforts to combat drug trafficking networks and dismantle organized crime groups operating across the country.