Algiers – National Gendarmerie forces in Ouled Mendil, under the Douira battalion, have dismantled a criminal network involved in food fraud. The operation targeted a clandestine workshop engaged in altering expiration dates and manipulating food products intended for human consumption.
According to sources within the Gendarmerie, the investigation was launched following a tip-off regarding a warehouse used to store expired subsidized powdered milk. This milk was allegedly being used in the production of cheese. After coordinating with the Public Prosecutor, the Directorate of Commerce, and the Municipal Health Office, authorities raided the premises.
During the raid, it was discovered that the workshop lacked the necessary administrative documentation to operate legally. Authorities seized approximately 400 bags of spoiled powdered milk, expired cheese, and 660 kg of expired raw materials. Additionally, 792.3 kg of ready-to-eat cheese, 25 cardboard boxes of plastic packaging, 175 bags of sodium powder, counterfeit labels from a private company, and 30 forged wooden stamps from various food retailers were confiscated.
DZWatch has learned that a legal case has been filed against those involved. The charges include speculation of essential goods, diverting raw materials from their intended purpose, storing raw materials without authorization, operating an undeclared cold storage unit, product counterfeiting, using expired food products, and engaging in commercial activity without registration in the commercial register.
The individuals involved will be presented before the competent judicial authorities to face the charges. The Gendarmerie continues its efforts to combat food fraud and protect public health.
This is a developing story. DZWatch will continue to provide updates as they become available.
