Algerian authorities have successfully dismantled a structured criminal organization involved in the trafficking of psychotropic substances. The Service central de lutte contre le trafic illicite de stupéfiants et des substances psychotropes (SCLTISSP) announced on Thursday that they had seized 2.4 million capsules of pregabalin, a medication often diverted for illicit use. The operation, which took place over the past week, resulted in the arrest of 10 individuals, with five still at large.
The investigation began with ground-level intelligence gathering, which led to the identification of a plan to transport a large shipment of psychotropes from the southern regions of Algeria to the northern part of the country. Police were able to track the movement and intercept the shipment before it reached its destination. The suspects were apprehended in successive operations in two neighboring wilayas, Boumerdès and Tipaza, near the capital city of Algiers.
The seized pregabalin capsules were part of a larger trend of psychotropic substance trafficking in Algeria. The SCLTISSP has been actively working to combat this issue, with a recent operation in October resulting in the seizure of nearly two million pregabalin capsules hidden in medical oxygen bottles. The street value of these seizures highlights the scale of the problem, with the October seizure valued at approximately 250 billion centimes.
Pregabalin, originally prescribed for certain neuropathic pain and epilepsy, has become a highly sought-after substance among illicit drug consumers, particularly among young people. Its discreet packaging and low cost per unit make it easily distributable in neighborhoods, often outside of controlled pharmaceutical circuits. This has raised concerns among health authorities regarding the parallel circulation of these tablets.
In addition to the seizure of the pregabalin capsules, police also confiscated the group's means of transportation, including three vehicles and one motorcycle. These were used to facilitate the illicit activities of the trafficking network. The operation was carried out under the supervision of the competent prosecutor, demonstrating the coordination between investigators and magistrates in large-scale cases.
The dismantling of this trafficking network is part of a larger effort by Algerian authorities to combat organized crime and transnational narcotics trafficking. The case has been referred to the specialized penal pole in Sidi M'Hamed, Algiers, which handles cases related to organized crime and narcotics trafficking. The search continues for the five individuals still at large, with their identification and apprehension a priority for law enforcement.
The seizure of 2.4 million pregabalin capsules and the arrest of 10 traffickers mark a significant achievement for Algerian authorities in their fight against psychotropic substance trafficking. The SCLTISSP and other law enforcement agencies continue to work to disrupt and dismantle trafficking networks, with a focus on protecting public health and safety.
Key points
- 2.4 million pregabalin capsules seized in a single operation
- 10 traffickers arrested, 5 still at large
- Operation part of a larger effort to combat organized crime and transnational narcotics trafficking
