Marrakech Police, in coordination with police in Safi, foiled an attempt to smuggle 9.8 tons of cannabis resin in a sting operation on Tuesday, security sources said.
Based upon intelligence provided by the Directorate General of Territorial Surveillance (DGST), police arrested six suspects, aged between 29 and 59, allegedly involved in an international drug trafficking network.
The operation took place in Douar Dhar in the town of Imintanout in the Chichaoua province southwest of Marrakech, where the suspects were allegedly caught red-handed preparing for a maritime smuggling operation. The suspects included a local official and a former municipal councilor.
After a search, police seized drugs, a utility vehicle with false license plates, an inflatable boat, and a marine engine.
The operation was part of ongoing efforts by Moroccan police and territorial surveillance services to combat international drug trafficking networks and ensure national and regional security. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend other suspects, who have been identified by the authorities.
The suspects are now in custody, pending further investigation under the supervision of the public prosecutor’s office.