Algerian authorities have reported a significant increase in the seizure of narcotics, particularly pregabalin, in the first six months of 2026. According to the National Office for the Fight Against Drugs and Drug Addiction, 36.97 million pregabalin pills were seized during this period, exceeding the total of 36.35 million pills seized throughout 2025. This represents a 1.7% increase in just six months.
The surge in pregabalin seizures is part of a broader trend of increasing narcotics seizures in Algeria. Cocaine seizures have also risen, with 1,094.6 kg seized in the first six months of 2026, accounting for approximately 75% of the total seized in 2025. Resin cannabis seizures have reached 23.8 tonnes, about 64% of the total for 2025. However, ecstasy seizures have decreased, with 1.37 million pills seized in the first six months, compared to 4.37 million for all of 2025.
The Algerian authorities have expressed concern about the link between drug use and road accidents. Since January 2026, 154 drivers have tested positive for drugs out of 9,167 tests conducted. The Gendarmerie Nationale has reported 161 fatal accidents and 144 non-fatal accidents caused by drivers under the influence of drugs or psychotropics. The authorities stress that these substances can reduce concentration, impair distance estimation, and slow reflexes.
The Algerian government has taken steps to strengthen laws and enforcement related to driving under the influence of drugs. The new road code imposes harsher penalties for driving under the influence and enhances testing procedures. The Minister of Justice, Lotfi Boudjemaa, emphasized that drivers responsible for accidents while under the influence will not be eligible for mitigating circumstances.
The National Office for the Fight Against Drugs and Drug Addiction is working to improve its understanding of drug consumption in Algeria. The office has partnered with the National Institute of Public Health to conduct four studies on drug use, including surveys of the general population, school and university students, and mortality related to drug overdoses. These studies aim to provide a more accurate picture of drug consumption and help target awareness campaigns.
The Algerian authorities have also highlighted the need for better coordination between security services, the judiciary, and healthcare providers to combat drug trafficking and use. The government has allocated financial resources to support these efforts, including a decree encouraging the reporting of drug traffickers.
The second year of Algeria's National Strategy to Combat Drugs (2025-2029) has shown progress, with 215 out of 278 planned activities implemented or launched, according to the Minister of Justice. However, the authorities acknowledge that more work is needed to address the scale of the problem and to assess the impact of their efforts.
Key points
- Algerian security services have seized 36.97 million pregabalin pills in the first six months of 2026, surpassing the total for all of 2025.
- The authorities have reported an increase in seizures of other narcotics, including cocaine and cannabis.
- The government has strengthened laws and enforcement related to driving under the influence of drugs and is working to improve its understanding of drug consumption in Algeria.
