DZWatch Exclusive: National Security forces have dismantled two organized criminal networks involved in the illicit drug trade, seizing over 100 kilograms of processed cannabis originating from Morocco. The operations, conducted over the past week, resulted in the arrest of six individuals.
According to a statement released by the National Security directorate, the first operation was carried out by agents from the Central Service for Combating Illicit Drug Trafficking (SCLTIS). Their investigation led to the disruption of a criminal network with connections extending into Morocco. During the operation, authorities discovered and seized more than 57 kilograms of processed cannabis. The drugs were concealed within the structure of a tourist vehicle, which was intercepted at a gas station in a central province.
In a separate operation, officers from the Mobile Brigade of the Judicial Police in Bechar successfully dismantled a criminal group that was using a farm as a base for their illegal activities. They thwarted an attempt to smuggle a shipment of processed cannabis weighing over 59 kilograms. The drugs were found carefully hidden in the trunk of a tourist vehicle.
DZWatch has learned that the two operations also led to the recovery of three vehicles of various types, all of which were being used in the criminal activities. The suspects have been presented before the Public Prosecutor at the El-Akhdaria Court in Bouira, and the Public Prosecutor at the Bechar Court, respectively.
These successful operations underscore the ongoing efforts of Algerian law enforcement to combat drug trafficking and organized crime across the country. The source of the seized cannabis, Morocco, will likely raise further questions and concerns regarding border security and regional cooperation in combating drug smuggling.
