Casablanca police seize 45 kilograms of cocaine hidden in food shipment container

Thursday 09 July 2026 - 12:00

By: Sahili Aya

Casablanca police seize 45 kilograms of cocaine hidden in food shipment container

Moroccan authorities have opened an investigation after discovering 45 kilograms of cocaine hidden inside a maritime container carrying imported food products in Casablanca, in what officials describe as a suspected attempt at international drug trafficking.

The seizure was carried out after the judicial police brigade of Sidi Bernoussi, operating under Casablanca's security services, launched inquiries into the shipment on Wednesday, according to a statement from Morocco’s national security authorities.

Investigators found 41 packages of cocaine with a combined weight of 45 kilograms inside a container that had arrived by sea from a Latin American country. The discovery was made after employees of an international import company alerted authorities about the suspicious cargo.

Initial checks also revealed the presence of a satellite tracking device hidden among the narcotics. Such GPS equipment is sometimes used by criminal networks involved in international trafficking to monitor the location of illegal shipments during transport. Authorities have not disclosed whether the device was still operational or whether it was linked to a specific organization.

The Casablanca judicial police are continuing their investigation under the supervision of the competent public prosecutor’s office. The objective is to determine the circumstances surrounding the attempted trafficking operation and identify all individuals potentially involved in the supply chain.

Moroccan authorities said they would rely on international security cooperation channels to investigate possible connections inside and outside the country and to trace the wider network behind the shipment.

The seizure highlights the challenges faced by major commercial hubs such as Casablanca, where large volumes of goods pass through ports and logistics networks connecting Europe, Africa and the Americas.

Containerized maritime shipments remain a major focus for law enforcement agencies worldwide due to their potential use by international trafficking organizations seeking to conceal illegal substances among legitimate commercial goods.