Rabat – In a successful joint operation between the National Police and Customs officials at the El Guergarat border crossing, situated south of Dakhla, Moroccan security services have intercepted a substantial international drug trafficking endeavor.
The operation, carried out on Monday afternoon, resulted in the confiscation of an astonishing 362.95 kilograms of cocaine intended for Morocco from abroad.
The meticulous control and search operations led to the discovery of 16 carefully concealed bundles of illicit substances within the cabin and bodywork of an internationally registered cargo truck arriving from a sub-Saharan African country at the El Guergarat border post, as per a statement from the General Directorate of National Security (DGSN).
The individuals behind the smuggling attempt, a 40-year old driver and his 41-year old assistant, both Moroccan citizens, were apprehended alongside the truck. They are currently under judicial investigation overseen by the competent prosecutor’s office.
Authorities are determined to unravel the network of connections, both local and international, associated with this criminal activity and bring all perpetrators to justice, as stated by the DGSN.
This successful operation aligns with the ongoing efforts of the DGSN throughout the current years, as they implement the provisions of the 2022-2026 anti-crime strategy.
Emphasizing the strengthening of structures combating delinquency, the development of forensic and technical police laboratories, and the intensification of modern investigative mechanisms, the DGSN is steadfastly incorporating human rights dimensions into police functions.
In the realm of drug enforcement, the year 2023 witnessed the implementation of an action plan targeting the production and trafficking of the chemical drug known as “L’poufa.”
This initiative, involving elements from the Special Force of the Directorate General of National Surveillance, the Research and Intervention Team of the National Police, and all decentralized services of National Security, successfully curtailed the trafficking of synthetic drugs.
Additionally, 2023 saw heightened cooperation between National Police and National Surveillance in criminal intelligence, border control, and on-the-ground coordination with customs services at border crossings.
This collaborative effort resulted in the handling of 99,513 cases and the arrest of 130,212 individuals. Notable seizures included 81.175 tons of hashish, marking a 17% decrease, along with 1,922 tons of cocaine, 6.88 kilograms of heroin, 1,223,774 ecstasy tablets, and other psychotropic substances.
