Mostaganem, Algeria – National Gendarmerie forces in Mostaganem have dismantled a criminal group involved in cocaine trafficking, leading to the arrest of five individuals, including two women. The operation also resulted in the seizure of a substantial amount of Algerian currency.
According to a statement released by the Gendarmerie, the arrests were made following credible intelligence received by the Regional Road Security Unit of the National Gendarmerie in Mostaganem. The intelligence indicated the presence of an organized criminal network engaged in the distribution and transportation of hard drugs along National Road 11, connecting the cities of Oran and Mostaganem.
Acting on this information, surveillance points were established. During the operation, a vehicle matching the provided description was intercepted. A thorough search of the vehicle led to the discovery of over 750 million centimes (approximately 7,505,000 Algerian Dinars) concealed in the vehicle’s trunk. The driver was immediately apprehended and taken to the National Gendarmerie’s Research and Investigation Department in Mostaganem for further questioning.
Subsequent investigations and legal procedures revealed compelling evidence linking the suspect to the trafficking of various narcotics, specifically cocaine. Authorities believe the seized funds are proceeds from these illicit activities. The operation resulted in the arrest of a total of five individuals, the confiscation of a tourist vehicle, the aforementioned sum of money, a counterfeit 2000 Dinar banknote, and several mobile phones.
The arrested individuals will face charges before the competent judicial authorities, including serious felonies related to trafficking hard drugs (cocaine) and psychotropic substances within an organized criminal group, money laundering, failure to report a felony, and possession of a counterfeit 2000 Dinar banknote. The investigation is ongoing.
