Security Services Intensify Anti-Gang War
Algerian security services, comprising police and gendarmerie forces, have escalated their efforts against neighborhood gangs, launching what they describe as a "common war." This marks a decisive shift from previous scattered security operations, integrating all units and formations into a strict security strategy. The objective is to dismantle criminal networks operating within urban spaces, which have been observed expanding their activities to include drug trafficking and psychotropic substances in residential areas, threatening public safety and instilling fear. These comprehensive operations are being executed in line with directives from President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, who has emphasized the state's unwavering commitment to combating neighborhood gangs and protecting families.
On the ground, security services across all wilayas have dealt successive blows to these criminal networks. For instance, security teams in Algiers province conducted extensive police operations on Monday night, coinciding with Mawlid al-Nabi, spanning 13 administrative security districts across the capital. These operations led to the arrest of a significant number of suspects and the seizure of various bladed weapons, quantities of drugs, psychotropic substances, and the recovery of proceeds from criminal activities, along with vehicles and tools used in assaults or to facilitate illegal operations. Specifically, the operational services in Algiers successfully dismantled six criminal networks composed of 42 individuals, including those with prior judicial records, who were reportedly spreading terror in the capital's neighborhoods. Authorities confiscated 58 prohibited bladed weapons, cocaine, psychotropic substances, flares, marine signals, tear gas canisters, and 21.8 million centimes in national currency, representing proceeds from drug sales.
The National Gendarmerie, in coordination with special detachments, also carried out raids on gang hideouts in several municipalities west of Algiers. These actions resulted in the apprehension of numerous individuals, some of whom were wanted, while others were caught in the act of selling drugs or were identified during intelligence-gathering phases. Following legal procedures, the suspects were presented before the competent public prosecution for charges including forming criminal associations and neighborhood gangs, spreading terror in urban environments, disturbing public order, and possession of psychotropic substances for sale.
These operations, colloquially referred to as "legendary raids," have garnered widespread public satisfaction. Citizens, via various social media platforms, have expressed strong support for the security forces' efforts, viewing them as a clear sign that the state is regaining control over a phenomenon that has troubled Algerian families in recent years. Official videos and images shared by police and gendarmerie pages have received significant engagement, with many citizens praising the professionalism of security agencies and recognizing these actions as a clear message that the state is strongly present and that perpetrators of crimes will face justice. This nationwide campaign against neighborhood gangs coincides with the recent appointment of members to the National Committee for the Prevention and Fight against Neighborhood Gangs, established by a Ministry of Interior decision published in the official gazette.
