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Moroccan authorities intercept historic 18-tonne cannabis shipment off Casablanca coast
In the early hours of Monday, coordinated efforts between Morocco's Casablanca Prefectural Judicial Police and General Directorate of Territorial Surveillance resulted in the interception of over 18 tonnes of cannabis destined for international export.
Operating from the coastal town of Sidi Rahal near Casablanca, authorities conducted surveillance of suspects transporting large quantities of the drug overland in a freight truck. Sources indicate plans were in motion to load the illicit cargo onto high-speed boats for transport by sea under cover of darkness.
Upon intercepting the suspects in the act, a search uncovered the massive haul of 18 tonnes and 243 kilograms of cannabis concealed aboard. In addition, fuel, marine engines, vessels, communications equipment and the land vehicle used in the operation were impounded as part of ongoing investigations.
Five individuals were taken into custody in connection with the raid, with prosecutors ordering a probe into the network's domestic and foreign ties. The goal is to dismantle those perpetuating this criminal enterprise and bring any accomplices to justice.
Authorities stress ongoing cooperation between security agencies is pivotal in thwarting transnational smuggling schemes. While Morocco has taken steps to regulate cannabis cultivation for medical and industrial use, intercepting diversions to the black market remains a high priority.
Statistics show over 99,000 drug trafficking cases were processed in 2023 alone, with more than 130,000 individuals apprehended for illicit activity nationwide. As international criminal organizations seek to exploit evolving cannabis policies, heightened vigilance is upheld to curb recreational diversion and uphold the rule of law.