Algerian authorities have dismantled a major drug trafficking network operating in the Blida and Medea provinces, arresting 23 suspects, including a woman named "K. Saham". The network, which was involved in smuggling cannabis from Ain Sefra in the southwestern province of Naama to the central provinces, was busted after a series of operations by police. The suspects, who are set to face trial on charges of importing, transporting, and selling narcotics, were arrested in three separate operations in Chiffa, El Affroun, and Mozaya.
According to investigations, the network's activities were centered in the Blida and Medea provinces, with the group's leaders using a Volkswagen Polo car to transport the narcotics. The car, which was registered in the name of "H. Nila", was found to be driven by her son, "M. Riyad", who was arrested along with his accomplices. The network's leaders had been using a complex system to evade detection, including using foreign phone numbers on WhatsApp to communicate with each other.
The operations, which were carried out by police in the Blida and Medea provinces, resulted in the seizure of 110kg and 800g of cannabis, as well as two cars, a motorcycle, and a large sum of money. The suspects, who were arrested at various locations, including a gas station in El Affroun, were found to be in possession of large amounts of cash and narcotics. One of the suspects, "J. Boualam", was found to be in possession of 218,000 Algerian dinars.
Investigations revealed that the network's leaders had been using a complex system to transport the narcotics from Ain Sefra to the central provinces. The group's leaders had been using a Land Rover Evoque car to escort the Volkswagen Polo car, which was carrying the narcotics. The network's activities were monitored by police for several months, before they were finally busted in a series of operations.
One of the suspects, "J. Boualam", confessed to police that he had been working with the network's leaders, including "S. Bilal", who is known as "Ayoub". Boualam stated that he had been tasked with delivering large sums of money to various individuals, who were involved in the network. He also stated that he had been using a foreign phone number on WhatsApp to communicate with the network's leaders.
The network's leaders are believed to have been using the narcotics to fund their operations, which were centered in the Blida and Medea provinces. The group's activities had been causing concern among local residents, who had been reporting increased levels of crime and violence in the area. The dismantling of the network is seen as a major success for Algerian authorities, who have been working to crack down on drug trafficking in the country.
The 23 suspects, who are set to face trial on charges of importing, transporting, and selling narcotics, are believed to have been involved in a major operation to smuggle cannabis from Ain Sefra to the central provinces. The network's leaders, who are still at large, are believed to have been using a complex system to evade detection. The case is ongoing, with further investigations and arrests expected.
Key points
- 23 suspects arrested in major drug trafficking bust in Blida and Medea provinces
- 110kg of cannabis seized in operations
- Network's leaders used complex system to evade detection, including foreign phone numbers on WhatsApp
