Algiers – A major drug trafficking operation has been dismantled, resulting in the seizure of over 800,000 psychotropic tablets, according to a statement released by the Public Prosecutor’s Office at the specialized judicial hub of Sidi M’hamed Court.
The operation, targeting organized crime and drug trafficking, focused on a transnational criminal group of twelve individuals involved in the trade of psychotropic substances.
Authorities confiscated a staggering 809,850 psychotropic tablets, along with 90 ‘Ketil’ tablets, four vehicles, and 1,518,000.00 Algerian Dinars.
Following an initial investigation by the National Gendarmerie’s Research and Investigation Unit in Cheraga, seven suspects were apprehended: Ben Aicha Abdoullah (45), Bouseif Mohamed (36), Ouedi Mohamed (41), Beldjilali Fathi (35), Guidoud Mohamed (30), Askri Abdelkader (30), and Zedmi Sahraoui Abou Dher (39). Five other suspects remain at large, but have been fully identified.
On October 16, 2025, the suspects were presented before the competent authority and are being prosecuted for several serious offenses. These include the illegal import, transport, shipping, storage, and possession of psychotropic substances for sale within an organized group; aggravated smuggling that threatens security and public health; and money laundering within a criminal organization. These actions are punishable under the laws pertaining to the prevention of drug and psychotropic substance abuse and the suppression of their illegal use and trafficking, as well as laws against smuggling and the penal code.
Following questioning by the investigating judge, orders were issued for the suspects to be placed in pre-trial detention. DZWatch will continue to follow this developing story.
