Police in Laayoune arrested four men, all with extensive criminal backgrounds, on suspicion of involvement in drug trafficking and illegal alcohol production in raids conducted overnight on Wednesday and Thursday.
Aged between 23 and 38, the suspects are believed to be connected to the sale of hashish, hallucinogenic pills, cocaine, and the illegal production of a locally made alcoholic beverage known as “mahia,” a type of brandy made from various fruits.
The Anti-Gang Unit of the Regional Directorate of Judicial Police made the arrests in three separate operations across the city.
In the first operation, officers arrested a suspect in the 25 Mars district while he was carrying a quantity of hashish allegedly intended for distribution.
A subsequent search of his home led to the arrest of a second individual and the discovery of five slabs of hashish, weighing approximately 450 grams.
Police also uncovered equipment used to produce mahia, as well as 360 liters of fermented materials and 60 liters of the finished product. Cash believed to be proceeds from the illegal trade was also confiscated.
In a separate raid, police arrested a third man in the Al-Saada neighborhood. He was found in possession of several pieces of hashish ready for sale and three “Rivotril” hallucinogenic pills. Authorities confirmed that the suspect was already wanted in a separate case involving assault with a weapon.
The fourth suspect was arrested in the 01 Al-Wahda neighborhood while attempting to sell half a slab of hashish. A search of his home revealed seven doses of cocaine and an additional 230 grams of hashish. Police also seized more cash, suspected to be linked to drug trafficking activities.
All four suspects are now in police custody as investigations continue under the supervision of the public prosecutor’s office. Authorities are working to determine the full extent of their involvement in criminal activities and to identify any further accomplices.