National Gendarmerie investigators in Setif have dismantled a network involved in the illegal hoarding and price manipulation of subsidized animal feed. The operation followed credible intelligence indicating a suspect in the municipality of Taya, Setif province, was using a clandestine warehouse, ostensibly for livestock farming, to stockpile animal feed.
The suspect allegedly hoarded key feed components, including bran and soybean residue, with the intent of creating artificial scarcity and selling them to farmers and livestock breeders at inflated prices. After securing the necessary legal authorizations, authorities raided the secret warehouse.
Inside, they discovered significant quantities of animal feed, including over 1200 quintals of bran, 2800 quintals of soybean residue (of various types), and 300 quintals of salt of unknown origin. Investigations revealed the warehouse was not registered with either trade or agriculture authorities, confirming the operation’s aim to monopolize animal feed products for illicit profit maximization.
The operation resulted in the arrest of one individual and the seizure of approximately 400 tons of subsidized animal feed, with an estimated total value exceeding 1.7 billion centimes. The suspect has been presented before the competent judicial authorities for further legal proceedings.
DZWatch will continue to monitor this developing story and provide updates as they become available.
