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Society

Border Bust: Moroccan Authorities Thwart 30-Kilo Cannabis Smuggling Attempt

Monday 08 January 2024 - 08:06

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Moroccan authorities successfully intercepted a daring attempt to smuggle 30 kilograms of cannabis across the Bab Sebta border crossing last week, customs officials revealed. The substantial contraband stash, cleverly concealed and disguised as tablets, came to light during a collaborative operation between customs agents and police officers.

The driver, a Moroccan national operating a French-registered vehicle, was promptly handed over to the judicial police for further investigation under the supervision of the public prosecutor's office. Alongside the apprehension of the driver, officials seized both the vehicle and the significant drug shipment.

This incident occurred in the aftermath of the General Directorate of National Security's (DGSN) annual report, which highlighted an overall decline in criminal activity across the country in 2023. Key statistics reflected year-over-year decreases in violent crimes such as murder, assault, and sexual violence, as well as property crimes like car theft.

Fueled by enhanced cooperation between national police and intelligence services, the dedicated efforts to combat drug trafficking yielded positive results last year. The report indicates that over 99,000 related cases were registered, leading to the apprehension of more than 130,000 suspects, including 305 foreign nationals.

While the DGSN's figures present an optimistic view of the strengthened rule of law, last week's audacious smuggling attempt serves as a stark reminder that work remains to be done to curb illegal cross-border activities. Officials are likely to persist in joint interdiction operations in border zones as they strive to achieve further reductions in crime nationwide.