Casablanca police in collaboration with Morocco’s Territory Surveillance Services (DGST) successfully foiled an attempt to traffic 18 tons and 245 kilograms of cannabis resin (locally known as Chira) in the early hours of Monday, in the coastal commune of Sidi Rahal near Casablanca, according to a press release issued by the National Police (DGSN).
The joint security operation resulted in the arrest of five suspects who were caught red-handed trying to load the drugs off a large truck into three inflatable speed boats to smuggle them by sea from Sidi Rahal, DGSN reported.
The destination of the shipment was not disclosed in the press release.
In addition to the 18,245 kg of chira, police seized a significant number of fuel drums, outboard motors, three fast rubber dinghies, air pumps, and a satellite phone. They also seized a large truck utilized for the transportation of illicit substances via land routes.
The suspects are now in custody pending further investigation under the supervision of the prosecutor’s office, which is looking at who may also be connected to these criminal activities, with an eye on regional and global links.