A coordinated operation between border police and customs officials at the port of Bejaia has successfully thwarted a major attempt to smuggle a massive quantity of synthetic drugs into Algeria.
According to an official statement, authorities seized over 700,000 ecstasy pills, weighing approximately 320 kilograms. The shipment originated from a French port and arrived via sea route last week.
The drugs were discovered using a joint police and customs scanner at the Bejaia port. They were meticulously concealed within specially constructed hidden compartments in three tourist vehicles arriving from France. The three drivers, two women and one man, were immediately apprehended.
Further investigations led to a series of operations conducted in the wilayas of Bejaia, Algiers, and Setif. These operations resulted in the dismantling of the criminal network’s organizational structure and the arrest of an additional 17 individuals, including one woman.
Authorities also seized and recovered 18 vehicles of various types, along with 20.2 million Algerian dinars and 2,980 euros in cash. Sensitive equipment, three firearms, and a collection of counterfeit stamps and seals were also confiscated.
The statement indicated that the identities of the remaining members of the international network have been established, both within Algeria and abroad. The suspects have been presented before the Public Prosecutor at the specialized penal division of the Sidi M’Hamed court for prosecution.
DZWatch will continue to provide updates on this developing story. Stay tuned for further details.
