The Algerian court of appeal is scheduled to hear the case of 15 defendants, comprising individuals from various nationalities, most of whom are African. They are accused of forming a criminal gang that trafficked heroin in various districts of the capital city using taxis. The defendants were arrested in a series of operations aimed at dismantling the gang.
According to the facts of the case, the gang was involved in the trafficking of heroin, with the drugs being supplied by an African national named Ossman, who resides in the Bab El Oued district. The investigation revealed that the gang was led by a woman nicknamed "Fatima," who was in contact with other members of the gang, including "K. Mohamed" and "D. S," also known as "Lakman."
The investigation began after police received information about two brothers, "K. M" and "K. B," who were trafficking drugs through the Oued Kniss website. The police discovered that the brothers were being supplied with heroin by Ossman, who was importing the drugs from Africa. Further investigations led to the arrest of several members of the gang.
On February 28, 2023, police monitored the movements of one of the suspects, "Neonoble Sissely Neumha," also known as "Fatima," who was seen leaving her residence and boarding a taxi. She was followed to a commercial center in the Manderin district, where she met with another woman and received a plastic bag containing heroin.
The two women were arrested, and a search revealed that they were in possession of 45 grams of heroin, as well as a mobile phone and an amount of money. Further searches at the residence of one of the suspects led to the discovery of more heroin, as well as equipment used to package the drugs.
During interrogation, one of the suspects, "Diakite Kadriatou," a Malian national, revealed that she had been living in Algeria illegally and had received the money found in her possession from another suspect, "S. L," as payment for the heroin. She also implicated other members of the gang, including "Adibari John," also known as "Moussa," who was responsible for supplying the heroin.
Another suspect, "S. R," revealed that she had been working with "Neonoble Sissely Neumha" to supply heroin to customers in various districts of the capital city, including Bab El Oued and El Mohammadia. The suspects were using taxis to transport the drugs and were making deliveries in various parts of the city.
Key points
- The Algerian authorities have been working to crack down on drug trafficking in the country, with a focus on disrupting the activities of organized crime gangs.
- The case highlights the growing problem of heroin trafficking in Algeria, with the country's strategic location making it a key transit point for drugs being smuggled into Europe.
- The authorities have seized significant quantities of drugs in recent operations, demonstrating their commitment to tackling the issue.
