Bouskoura: suspected drug network leader arrested with counterfeit plates and narcotics

Thursday 24 September 2026 - 19:00

Royal Gendarmerie officers in Bouskoura, in the Casablanca-Settat region, have arrested a man suspected of leading a drug distribution network, according to information reported by the Moroccan daily Assabah.

The suspect was allegedly using vehicles fitted with counterfeit registration plates in an effort to avoid identification during his movements. Investigators say the vehicles also allowed him to operate away from major roads and use rough tracks when transporting drugs.

The case was reported in Assabah’s Thursday, September 24 edition.

Counterfeit plates allegedly used to evade detection

According to the newspaper’s sources, the suspect was already wanted by Moroccan authorities and had allegedly relied on off-road vehicles carrying falsified registration numbers.

Investigators believe the tactic was intended to make it harder for security services to trace the vehicle during trips linked to the distribution of narcotics to dealers operating in different parts of the Casablanca area.

Following his arrest, investigators reportedly confirmed that the vehicle seized from him was carrying false registration plates.

Eight outstanding warrants reported

The suspect, who reportedly has a criminal record, is originally from the Lissasfa area on the outskirts of Casablanca, according to Assabah.

At the time of his arrest, he was reportedly the subject of eight outstanding warrants in Morocco in connection with various alleged offenses.

His previous record and the number of warrants were among the elements considered by investigators as they worked to establish the extent of his alleged involvement in the drug trade.

Drugs and vehicle seized

The arrest followed an operation by the Bouskoura Royal Gendarmerie brigade, which reportedly sought to catch the suspect while he was allegedly carrying out a drug-trafficking operation using an off-road vehicle.

Authorities seized the vehicle during the operation, along with several quantities of suspected narcotics and tobacco.

The reported seizure included 2 kilograms of hashish, 20 kilograms of kif in spikes and 6 kilograms of tobacco.

Investigation continues into the wider network

After his arrest, the suspect was placed in custody as part of an investigation conducted under the supervision of the competent public prosecutor's office.

Investigators are now examining the alleged network's organization, including its distribution channels and possible links to other individuals involved in drug trafficking.

The investigation is expected to determine the full scope of the network and establish the respective responsibilities of those who may be connected to the case.