Ouargla, Algeria – Authorities in Ouargla have dismantled a major drug trafficking network, seizing over 665,000 capsules of psychotropic substances and a cache of weapons from a farm used as a hideout. Four suspects have been remanded in custody pending further investigation.
The individuals, identified as Mohamed Belal Omar, Mohamed Moussa Belal Omar, Kelghalgh Mohamed Aissa, and Ben Ghalia Belkheir, are allegedly part of a nine-person criminal organization specializing in the illicit trade of narcotics and psychotropic drugs. The arrests are the culmination of an ongoing investigation into organized crime in the region.
According to judicial sources, investigators discovered a massive quantity of “Pregabalin” type capsules, totaling 665,550, during a search of the farm. The raid also yielded 96 pyrotechnic devices, a Kalashnikov assault rifle with a magazine containing 27 rounds, two hunting rifles, and 81 live cartridges.
In addition to the drugs and firearms, authorities confiscated two Thuraya satellite communication devices with three SIM cards, binoculars, and several vehicles allegedly used for smuggling.
The suspects face serious charges, including possession, storage, and purchase of psychotropic substances for the purpose of sale within a transnational organized criminal group, use of a firearm, smuggling that threatens public security and health, and possession of unlicensed weapons and ammunition of the first and fifth categories.
The investigation is ongoing, and further arrests are possible. This operation underscores the ongoing efforts to combat organized crime, particularly drug trafficking, in Algeria.
