A major drug trafficking network operating across several Algerian provinces has been dismantled by the National Gendarmerie’s Central Service for Combating Organized Crime, specifically the Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances division. The operation, supported by the Special Intervention Detachment, resulted in the arrest of nine suspects and the identification of twelve more who are currently at large.
The authorities seized a significant quantity of narcotics, including over 56 kilograms of cocaine with a 70% concentration and 260 kilograms of processed cannabis. The operation also led to the confiscation of vehicles equipped with hidden compartments used for smuggling, a sum exceeding 500 million centimes (Algerian currency), mobile phones, bladed weapons, binoculars, and forged registration cards and driver’s licenses.
DZWatch has learned that the arrested individuals have been presented before the Public Prosecutor at the National Penal Pole for Combating Terrorism and Organized Crime in Sidi M’Hamed. They face charges including the illegal import, transport, shipping, storage, display, and possession of natural and hard drugs for the purpose of sale within an organized criminal group. Additional charges include dangerous smuggling affecting public safety and health through the use of specially equipped vehicles, forgery and use of forged official documents, and money laundering within an organized criminal group.
This operation is part of the national strategy to combat organized crime. It aims to eliminate criminal networks involved in the illicit drug trade and protect public safety and health. The National Gendarmerie continues its efforts to combat drug trafficking and related criminal activities throughout the country.
DZWatch will continue to monitor this developing story.
