Drug Trafficking Network, Morocco-Directed, Dismantled by Algerian Police
Algerian security forces have achieved a significant success by dismantling a major international organized criminal network specializing in drug trafficking. This operation, described by the DGSN as the largest of its kind conducted by the Sûreté nationale, resulted in the seizure of a substantial quantity of illicit substances. Over 10.4 million capsules of Pregabalin, a psychotropic substance, were confiscated, alongside 33.4 kilograms of hard drugs, specifically cocaine. The market value of the seized products alone is estimated at nearly 1,000 billion centimes, highlighting the scale of the illicit trade disrupted.
The successful operation was the culmination of more than seven months of meticulous intelligence work initiated by investigators from the Central Service for Combating Illicit Drug Trafficking (SCLTIS) in January. This extensive inquiry uncovered the criminal activities of the international network, which operated in the western region of the country. Crucially, the investigation identified Moroccan drug barons who were directing these illicit operations from Morocco, utilizing members of the network in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, for financial management and transfers, and other accomplices located in France.
Following the identification of the network members and the tracking of cargo routes originating from southern Algerian wilayas, simultaneous arrests were carried out with the support of the Special Police Operations Group (GOSP). A total of 25 individuals were apprehended across multiple wilayas, including Oran, Tizi Ouzou, Algiers, Blida, and Tipasa. Among those arrested were one woman and one foreign national. In addition to the drugs, authorities seized 19 vehicles, including a semi-trailer truck and three motorcycles used by the network, along with over 1.5 billion centimes in criminal proceeds. The arrested suspects were presented before the public prosecutor at the specialized penal division of Sidi M'Hamed in Algiers on Thursday, August 20.
