Oum El Bouaghi, Algeria – A major drug trafficking network has been dismantled in Oum El Bouaghi following a successful operation by the National Gendarmerie. Authorities seized a significant quantity of hallucinogenic capsules, estimated at 117,000, hidden within a truck carrying hay bales.
Acting on intelligence received by the Regional Gendarmerie Brigade of Ain M’lila, officers identified a criminal network involved in transporting psychotropic substances from southern regions of the country. A detailed operational plan was implemented to intercept the network’s activities.
After surveillance and securing the area, a truck loaded with hay was stopped. A thorough search revealed a large quantity of psychotropic drugs concealed in large plastic bags, carefully hidden amongst the hay bales to evade detection. The driver was immediately apprehended, and the truck was impounded.
Further investigation, leveraging information from the arrested driver and specialized investigative techniques, led to the identification of several hideouts used by the network. The identities of other members were also uncovered, prompting a coordinated operation to apprehend all involved parties.
Following legal procedures and in coordination with the Public Prosecutor’s office, the jurisdiction was extended to several other regions across the country. In collaboration with the Central Service for Combating Illicit Trafficking in Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances, raids were conducted on the identified locations, resulting in the arrest of three additional individuals. Authorities also seized a motorcycle and two passenger vehicles used by the network.
The operation successfully dismantled a dangerous national criminal network comprising seven individuals – four arrested and three currently at large. In addition to the 117,000 Pregabalin 300mg capsules, authorities seized a truck, two cars, a motorcycle, quantities of narcotics, and mobile phones. Those arrested will be presented before the competent judicial authorities.
This significant bust underscores the ongoing efforts by Algerian law enforcement to combat drug trafficking and organized crime.
