Three individuals have been arrested in Skikda, Algeria, following the circulation of videos on social media allegedly showing them selling drugs and psychotropic substances. The arrests were made by the anti-narcotics unit of the Skikda security services after the videos sparked public outrage and prompted an investigation. Two other suspects remain at large.
According to a statement from the Skikda court, the investigation was launched under Article 19 of the Code of Criminal Procedure and Article 34 bis 01 of the law on the prevention of drug and psychotropic substance abuse and the suppression of illegal trafficking. The investigation led to the arrest of Hamdouch Issam, Moallem Ibrahim, and Imat Mohamed El Amine. The other two suspects, Boufloussa Faisel and Ben Hamroush Abdel Raouf, are currently fugitives.
Following the completion of the investigation, the arrested individuals were brought before the public prosecutor at the Skikda court. They were charged with selling and distributing drugs and psychotropic substances, in accordance with Articles 16 bis and 17 of the relevant law on combating these crimes. All three were subsequently placed in pre-trial detention.
Subsequent court proceedings resulted in significant sentences for those apprehended. The first and second defendants were each sentenced to 12 years imprisonment and fined 2 million Algerian dinars. The third defendant received a 10-year prison sentence and a fine of 1 million dinars. Arrest warrants have been issued for the two individuals who remain at large.
This drug bust highlights the ongoing efforts by Algerian authorities to combat drug trafficking and substance abuse. The use of social media to document and expose criminal activity played a crucial role in this case, demonstrating the power of citizen journalism in holding individuals accountable. The severity of the sentences handed down underscores the government’s commitment to tackling drug-related crime and protecting communities from the harmful effects of drug abuse. The investigation remains active as authorities continue to search for the remaining suspects involved in the drug network. This incident serves as a warning to others involved in illegal drug activity in the Skikda region and across Algeria.
Related: More economie articles on DZWatch
Source: External reference
