The Algerian gendarmerie has reported a significant decrease in crime in Bouira province in 2018. According to Colonel Kari Abdelkader, the head of the gendarmerie in Bouira, 1,133 crimes were recorded in 2018, compared to 1,612 in 2017, representing a 30% drop. This decrease is attributed to a new work plan and coordination between the gendarmerie and other security forces, as well as the use of advanced research tools.
Despite the decrease in crime, the number of people arrested increased in 2018, with 1,201 individuals detained, compared to 425 in 2017. Colonel Kari attributed this increase to the effectiveness of the new work plan and the use of advanced research tools. The gendarmerie also carried out 22 major operations in 2018, resulting in the treatment of 125 cases related to illegal activities such as the sale of alcoholic beverages, drugs, and aggression.
The operations carried out by the gendarmerie resulted in significant seizures, including over 4,200 units of alcoholic beverages, 3 knives, 317 grams of treated kif, 228 psychotropic tablets, and other prohibited products. In addition, the gendarmerie investigated 7 major cases related to organized crime, including trafficking of drugs and psychotropics, and seized over 20 kg of treated kif, 150,000 psychotropic tablets, and 3 grams of cocaine.
The gendarmerie also investigated cases of counterfeiting, including the seizure of 1,300 euros and 576,200 Algerian dinars in fake banknotes, leading to the arrest of 7 individuals. Other cases investigated included vehicle theft and falsification of official documents, resulting in the seizure of 3 vehicles and the arrest of 17 people. The gendarmerie also recovered 219 stolen sheep out of 321 and arrested 11 people.
In addition to its crime-fighting activities, the gendarmerie's economic brigade treated 5,598 cases in 2018, resulting in the arrest of 40 people. The brigade seized 4,612 kg of meat unfit for consumption, 40,786 units of alcoholic beverages, and 16,900 packets of cigarettes, among other prohibited products.
Regarding road accidents, the gendarmerie reported a decrease in accidents in 2018, with 381 accidents recorded, compared to 419 in 2017. However, the number of injured and killed on the roads remains high, with 782 people injured and 108 killed in 2018, compared to 780 injured and 91 killed in 2017. According to Colonel Kari, over 80% of accidents are caused by human error.
The gendarmerie also reported that 8,771 infractions and 4,161 cases were recorded in 2018, resulting in 41,932 driving licenses being revoked. Five high-risk areas on the roads of Bouira province were identified, including four on the East-West highway and one in the commune of Dirah. These areas have been the scene of several accidents in the past.
Key points
- The Algerian gendarmerie reported a 30% decrease in crime in Bouira province in 2018, with 1,133 crimes recorded.
- The number of people arrested increased in 2018, with 1,201 individuals detained, compared to 425 in 2017.
- The gendarmerie seized significant quantities of prohibited products, including over 4,200 units of alcoholic beverages and 20 kg of treated kif.
