Tainted Alcohol Tragedy: Mastermind Behind Sidi Allal Tazi Poisoning Apprehended

Wednesday 12 June 2024 - 09:30

In a significant development following the harrowing tainted alcohol incident that claimed at least 15 lives in the Sidi Allal Tazi commune, authorities have arrested the alleged ringleader behind the methanol trafficking network. Approximately a week after the tragedy unfolded, the investigation conducted by the Royal Gendarmerie appears to be taking a pivotal turn.

Elements of the Judicial Police, under the jurisdiction of the Royal Gendarmerie, have carried out fresh arrests, apprehending new suspects implicated in the distribution of adulterated alcohol in Sidi Allal Tazi, a town located in the Kenitra province. The incident left a staggering toll, with 16 confirmed fatalities and hundreds more hospitalized due to poisoning.

On Sunday, June 9th, 2024, the newly arrested suspects were brought before the King's prosecutor at the Kenitra Court of Appeal. The magistrate ultimately decided to release them on provisional liberty while the investigation continues.

Since the inception of this case, a total of twelve individuals have been apprehended, with seven being held in custody and five placed under judicial supervision.

Specialists view the arrest of the alleged mastermind, which occurred in Khemisset, as a pivotal juncture in the investigation, potentially enabling authorities to confirm whether the suspect procured methanol from Casablanca.

This individual, described as "dangerous" and "reckless," has an extensive criminal record, with previous convictions involving drug trafficking, smuggling illicit alcohol, and illegal liquor production.

According to media reports, the suspect had presented himself as the director of a company to a supplier in Casablanca, with the intention of purchasing methanol. He then requested the supplier, currently sought by investigators, to deliver the purchased methanol to a purported plastic bottle and barrel manufacturing facility near Kenitra, which he claimed ownership of.

In reality, it was from this location that the accused transported the bottled adulterated alcohol to the Gharb region, distributing it to retailers and intermediaries who in turn sold it to customers lured by the prospect of inexpensive alcohol.

The day of the tragedy, when the consumption of this toxic substance spiked, coincided with a wedding ceremony in one of the villages near Sidi Allal Tazi. Alarmingly, reports suggest that the substance was sold in its raw, undiluted form, without any attempt to mitigate its toxicity by mixing it with other liquids.

As the investigation unfolds, authorities are determined to unravel the intricate web of this illicit operation and bring those responsible to justice, serving as a stern warning against those who perpetrate such heinous acts that endanger public health and safety.