Date: Tuesday, December 24, 2024
Category: International
Madrid – Pedro Fernández, the government delegate in Spain’s Andalusia region, has reported a collision involving three drug-smuggling boats in Moroccan waters near Larache (north). The incident left one of the traffickers critically injured and once again underscored Morocco’s pivotal role in facilitating the global trade of prohibited substances, according to Spanish media reports on Tuesday.
Details of the Incident
Sources from Spain’s Civil Guard revealed that the confrontation took place between “Phantom” boats used by international drug-smuggling networks. The clash occurred off the coastal stretch between Larache and Moulay Bousselham (northwest Morocco) during the night from Friday to Saturday, resulting in severe injuries among traffickers onboard the vessels.
Two boats carrying seven traffickers—linked to a drug-smuggling network operating across the Strait of Gibraltar—were reportedly stationed off the Larache coast, waiting to transport a shipment of cannabis to southern Spain. A third “Phantom” boat, originating from Spain and designated for the same purpose, collided with the two stationary vessels due to disputes among rival drug cartels competing for control over the maritime smuggling routes in the area.
The third boat rammed the other two, causing injuries to the traffickers onboard before fleeing the scene. The injured traffickers managed to navigate one of the damaged boats to the coast of Sancti Petri in Chiclana, Cádiz Province, where Spanish Civil Guard officers apprehended them upon arrival, despite some attempting to escape.
Pedro Fernández stated that one of the traffickers is in critical condition, with doctors predicting imminent death due to brain trauma. All detainees are under investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Morocco’s Role in Drug Trafficking
As the world’s largest producer of cannabis, Morocco remains a primary hub for drug trafficking operations that flood Europe and other parts of the globe. The lack of decisive action by Moroccan authorities has perpetuated a systemic issue, where local criminal networks facilitate the transportation of these illicit substances via sea and land routes. This contributes to organized crime and the devastating impact of drugs on both local and international communities.
The coastal stretch between Larache and Moulay Bousselham has emerged as a hotspot for international drug-trafficking networks. The area has become a major departure point for cannabis shipments to southern Spain, as traditional smuggling routes face increased scrutiny. The ease with which these drugs reach coastal areas, bypassing Moroccan checkpoints, raises serious questions about enforcement efforts in the region.
This incident serves as another reminder of Morocco’s entrenched role in global drug trafficking networks and the need for international collaboration to combat the growing influence of these operations.
Source: DZWATCH.DZ
Author: Nor-Eleslam
