Rabat – Moroccan police and customs officers at the Guerguerat border crossing, south of Dakhla, aborted a drug-trafficking attempt, seizing 61 kilograms of cocaine.
Police arrested two suspects, aged 30 and 34, on suspicion of involvement in international drug trafficking.
Searches with the assistance of police sniffer dogs enabled police to identify cocaine concealed inside compartments within the metal structure of an international freight truck arriving from a sub-Saharan African country.
Police have launched an investigation to determine the full circumstances of the case and to identify all individuals involved.
The investigation also aims to trace any local, regional, or international networks linked to the trafficking operation.
The Moroccan Administration of Customs and Indirect Taxes (ADII) said in its annual activity report that drug trafficking recorded a significant surge in seized quantities last year, reaching 77.67 tons of cannabis, in addition to cocaine and heroin.
ADII said anti-smuggling operations targeting cigarettes led authorities to seize 843,854 cigarette units last year, compared to 254,388 units the year before.
The penetration rate of smuggled cigarettes reached 1.37%, up from 1.04% in 2024, indicating the persistence of smuggling-related challenges.
The report attributes the increase to the expansion of customs checkpoints and stronger cooperation against illegal activities exploiting loopholes.
In addition to customs operations, police handled 106,117 cases related to drug trafficking in 2025, arresting 134,126 suspects, including 378 foreigners.
Throughout the year, police seized 170 tons and 796 kilograms of cannabis resin and derivatives during different operations. Authorities also seized 1 ton, 731 kilograms, and 558 grams of cocaine.
In its annual report last year, Moroccan police said violent crime fell by 10% in 2025 as authorities expanded digital services and strengthened international cooperation.
