In response to alarming data regarding intensified gold and precious jewelry smuggling activities through international flights, Moroccan customs authorities have mobilized regional and local monitoring teams at major airports, including Casablanca, Rabat, and Marrakech. This proactive measure comes after insights were provided by the Information and Risk Analysis Departments of the Prevention and Disputes Directorate, indicating a significant surge in these illicit operations as the summer holiday season approaches, which typically sees an increase in passenger traffic across the kingdom's airports, especially international ones.
Reliable sources informed Hespress that customs monitoring teams have started implementing stringent preventive interventions ahead of the holiday season, following the detection of multiple smuggling attempts by travelers arriving from various countries. These individuals are reportedly taking advantage of the soaring demand for gold in the local market and the record-high prices. The inspections initiated by regional customs teams have revealed a noteworthy shift in the tactics employed by smugglers, including the use of new flight routes and altered departure countries, as well as diversifying the profiles of those carrying out smuggling operations.
Furthermore, it was noted that field surveillance units have been equipped with precise intelligence from central management regarding the exploitation of both male and female citizens and permanent residents living abroad. This strategy aims to mislead customs officials and distance suspicion from the “carriers,” who have designated the airports of Casablanca and Marrakech as transit points to various destinations, including Mauritania.
According to the sources, customs monitoring authorities have identified several Gulf and Middle Eastern countries, notably Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Turkey, as suspected departure points based on an analysis of data from previous gold seizure operations. They have also observed suspicious travel patterns among individuals whose identities and associations are currently being investigated. These individuals have repeatedly appeared in flight manifests on specific airlines without any variation in travel dates, despite rising ticket prices, which suggests a systematic organization of transportation activities.
Reports indicate that significant quantities of smuggled gold have been flowing into the local market, with some of this gold making its way into well-known commercial outlets, particularly in Casablanca. Here, it undergoes melting and re-manufacturing processes in licensed workshops. The gold in question typically originates from Europe and Gulf countries, consisting of 22 and 24-carat varieties, sold at prices lower than those available in the national market.
Moreover, it has been revealed that in the coming weeks, customs monitoring services will require certain gold merchants to provide documentation for incoming and outgoing goods, as well as sales invoices. This verification process aims to ascertain their potential involvement in the trafficking of smuggled gold, its conversion into bars, or its marketing in the black market, alongside the forgery of customs stamps.
It is worth noting that the current monitoring procedures at airports and other border points exempt female travelers from declaring personal jewelry items (such as rings, bracelets, necklaces, and earrings), provided that their total weight does not exceed 500 grams, and that the quantity, weight, and value are proportionate to the social status of the owners. However, customs authorities are becoming increasingly stringent in scrutinizing declarations and ownership documents whenever they harbor doubts.
As per sources from Hespress, customs monitoring has reacted to precise intelligence reports indicating a growing trend in the smuggling of substantial amounts of gold. Smugglers are reportedly exploiting busy weekends at border points to carry out their operations, raising concerns about a potential increase in the likelihood of evading scrutiny. The focus of customs officials will primarily be on verifying substantial quantities of jewelry in the possession of travelers and ensuring the authenticity of related documentation.
As reported by hespress.com.
