Major Arrests in Morocco Targeting International Drug Traffickers
On June 9, 2026, Moroccan authorities conducted a significant operation resulting in the arrest of eleven individuals in the cities of Marrakech and Tangier. Most of these suspects were targeted by Interpol's red notices, facing serious charges related to international drug trafficking and money laundering across Europe. During the raids executed on the same day, law enforcement seized high-value assets, including luxury vehicles, motorcycles, substantial amounts of foreign currency, and even doses of cocaine. These coordinated actions were carried out with the support of the Direction générale de la sûreté nationale (DGSN) and the Direction générale de la surveillance du territoire (DGST), reflecting the seriousness of the operation.
The primary objective of this security operation was to apprehend fugitives involved in organized crime. Investigations revealed that ten out of the eleven arrested individuals were subject to red notices issued by Interpol, with the originating judicial requests coming from France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. The dismantled group displayed a strong European connection, as six French citizens of Moroccan descent were actively sought by Paris for charges including money laundering, affiliation with criminal organizations, drug trafficking, fraud, and breach of trust. Additionally, three Belgian-Moroccans, one Dutch-Moroccan, and a French citizen under a local warrant were among those apprehended.
Ongoing Investigations and Legal Proceedings
All suspects have been placed in custody for interrogation regarding the charges they face abroad. The competent judicial authorities are currently overseeing the investigations. Given that most of the accused hold dual nationality, the proceedings and inquiries will be handled rigorously, in accordance with national law. In a related incident, a 38-year-old French citizen of Algerian descent was arrested in Marrakech, suspected of being part of a money laundering network. This operation highlights Morocco's commitment to combatting international crime and its cooperation with international law enforcement agencies in tackling drug trafficking and other serious offenses.
As reported by bladi.net.
