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Morocco World
4 hours ago
- Business
- Morocco World
France Thanks Morocco Over Arrest of Man Behind Crypto-Related Kidnappings
Rabat – France thanked Morocco today, stressing the country's importance as a strategic ally in security following the arrest of a suspect behind a series of recent crypto-related kidnappings in France. French Minister of Justice Gerald Darmanin conveyed his country's gratitude in a statement on X, where he 'sincerely thanks Morocco for this arrest.' He said this 'demonstrates the excellent judicial cooperation between our two countries, particularly in the fight against organized crime.' Earlier today, a joint operation by national judicial police in coordination with the General Directorate for Territorial Surveillance (DGST) enabled security services to arrest a French-Moroccan national. A statement from the police indicated that the suspect is thought to be involved in crimes related to kidnapping with extortion, ransom demands targeting cryptocurrency users, as well as money laundering operations as part of an international crime network operating in France. The arrest took place in Tangier, falling within Moroccan security services' efforts to tackle insecurity. Police arrested the suspect after receiving a formal complaint from French security services detailing the alleged criminal acts the suspect committed in the European country. DGSN stressed in a statement today that the security operation is part of ongoing and intensive efforts by the national police to combat transnational organized crime and to deny criminals a safe haven or a legitimate operating base in Morocco. Many countries, including France, have highlighted Morocco's assistance on the security front. In April, French Interior Minister Bruno Retalleau described Morocco as a 'precious partner' in security matters. 'We are witnessing a renewed energy in our bilateral relationship, one that extends across multiple fields, including security,' Retailleau said during his visit to Morocco in April. He also pointed to joint cooperation between Moroccan and French authorities, including the arrest of several major drug traffickers wanted by French authorities.
Morocco World
26-05-2025
- Morocco World
Morocco Foils New Drug Trafficking Attempt, Seizes Nearly 4 Tons of Cannabis
Rabat – Moroccan police in Oued Zem, a city 156 kilometers from Casablanca, thwarted a drug trafficking operation – arresting four suspects linked to an international network involved in drug and psychotropic substance trafficking. The arrest was based on precise intelligence provided by the General Directorate for Territorial Surveillance (DGST). During the operation, police seized 3.85 tons of cannabis that was concealed in two utility vehicles during simultaneous police operations near Oued Zem. The suspects were armed with bladed weapons and refused to comply and violently resisted the arrest. A police officer was forced to fire a warning shot with his service weapon to neutralize the threat. A search operation in the vehicles enabled police to seize several bundles of cannabis, weapons, and fake license plates. The suspects aged between 23 and 35 were put in custody, with two of them already wanted under several national arrest warrants for their alleged involvement in drug trafficking. Investigations are underway to shed further light on the case and arrest potential accomplices. Morocco thwarted several major drug trafficking attempts across the country. One of the latest foiled drug trafficking operations took place in March when police seized 5.7 tons of cannabis in the vicinity of Moulay Bousselham. Last year, police processed 92,346 drug-trafficking-related cases, arresting 119,692 individuals, including 287 foreigners. Police also seized 123 tons and 971 kilograms of cannabis resin, 1.948 tons of cocaine, and 16.53 kilograms of heroin, in addition to over 1 million psychotropic substances. Tags: Cannabis farms in Moroccodrug trafficking
Morocco World
08-05-2025
- Morocco World
Moroccan Police Thwart Major Drug Trafficking Operation in Larache
Rabat – Moroccan police have again successfully thwarted a major drug trafficking operation. Authorities seized two tons of cannabis resin and arrested eight suspects on Wednesday evening in Larache. The operation is the result of a joint judicial police coordination operation, based on intelligence provided by the General Directorate of Territorial Surveillance (DGST). Authorities arrested eight individuals between the ages of 39 and 59, all suspected to be involved in an international criminal network specializing in drug and psychotropic substance trafficking. Police also seized 51 packages of cannabis resin, weighing a total of two tons, that were reportedly intended to be trafficked overseas. Additionally, law enforcement confiscated an inflatable boat, a marine engine, and two vehicles bearing counterfeit license plates. Authorities placed the suspects under judicial investigation led by the prefectural judicial police service in Tetouan under the supervision of the competent prosecutor's office. The investigation aims to uncover potential wider connections of this criminal activity and identify other accomplices in the case. This operation is part of Morocco's larger efforts to combat drug trafficking networks operating in the country's northern coastal regions. Tags: Drug bustLaracheMoroccan police
Morocco World
15-04-2025
- Morocco World
Over 17 Tons of Cannabis Resin Seized Near Beach Between Safi, Essaouira
Moroccan authorities have thwarted a major drug smuggling operation. Police intercepted 17 tons and 740 kilograms of cannabis resin early Tuesday morning. The drugs were destined for maritime transport. The security operation took place on the coast of Sidi Ishak between Safi and Essaouira. Officers from Marrakech's prefectural judicial police service acted on precise intelligence provided by the General Directorate of Territorial Surveillance (DGST). Authorities intercepted a cargo truck carrying nearly 18 tons of cannabis resin. The drugs were about to be loaded onto two inflatable boats seized at the scene. Search operations in the area yielded additional evidence. Police confiscated maritime navigation equipment and powerful marine engines. These items were to be used in the international drug trafficking operation. The General Directorate of National Security (DGSN) released a statement confirming the seizure. Investigations are continuing under proper judicial supervision. Authorities are working to identify and apprehend all individuals involved in this criminal activity. They are also investigating potential national and international connections. This operation demonstrates the ongoing joint efforts between DGSN and DGST services. Both agencies remain committed to fighting international drug trafficking networks MWN with MAP Tags: Cannabisdrug trafficking
Morocco World
14-04-2025
- Morocco World
Tangier Jewelry Heist: Police Arrest 3, Recover 10kg of Gold
Rabat – Moroccan police arrested three men on Saturday, April 12, after a bold break-in at a jewelry store in Tangier's Beni Makada district. The suspects, aged between 29 to 46, had slipped through a hole carved into a wall, made off with a massive haul, and almost disappeared until investigators caught up with them in less than a day. The operation, carried out with precise coordination between Tangier's judicial police and the General Directorate for Territorial Surveillance (DGST), brought back ten kilograms of gold that had vanished just hours earlier. The robbery took place early Friday, April 11, in a scene that could have belonged to a film. The thieves bypassed doors and alarms by cutting through the wall of a neighboring building, accessing the store unnoticed. Thankfully, within 24 hours, authorities apprehended the suspects and recovered the stolen gold. Read also: Morocco Seizes Nearly 1 Kg of Smuggled Gold Jewelry in Tanger-Med Port Investigators worked quickly to track the suspects. The lead suspect returned from Casablanca with cash from an alleged partial sale of the stolen jewelry. The detail helped officers zero in on his location. When police entered his apartment in Tangier, they found a large quantity of gold stashed inside. Two other men, including the owner of the car used during the robbery, also fell into custody. All three remain under police supervision as prosecutors continue to dig into the case. Authorities have not ruled out further arrests, noting that the level of planning suggests a wider network may have been involved. The rapid closure of the Tangier heist is indicative of Morocco's overall push in recent years to clamp down on organized crime and strengthen public safety. With increased coordination between police forces and advanced investigative tools, the country continues to signal its determination to root out illegal activities and maintain order across its cities.
