Algiers – The National Gendarmerie has successfully dismantled a major organized criminal network involved in drug trafficking across several Algerian provinces. The operation, targeting a network specializing in smuggling narcotics using vehicles equipped with hidden compartments, resulted in the arrest of nine suspects and the seizure of significant quantities of drugs.
According to a statement released by the Gendarmerie, the operation was conducted by the Central Service for Combating Organized Crime’s Anti-Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances Unit, supported by elements of the Special Intervention Detachment. The network’s activities posed a direct threat to public safety and health.
The operation led to the apprehension of nine individuals across various regions of the country. Authorities have also identified twelve additional suspects who remain at large. The seizures included over 56 kilograms of cocaine and 260 kilograms of treated cannabis (kif). Furthermore, law enforcement confiscated vehicles used by the criminal network, a substantial sum of money exceeding 500 million centimes in local currency, mobile phones, bladed weapons, binoculars, forged registration cards, and fake driver’s licenses.
Notably, the seized cocaine had a high concentration level, reportedly reaching 70 percent purity.
The arrested suspects 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 importation, transportation, shipment, storage, display, brokerage, and possession of natural and hard drugs for sale within an organized criminal group. Further charges include aggravated smuggling affecting public safety and health through the use of vehicles with specially designed compartments, forgery and use of forged official documents, and money laundering within an organized criminal group.
