On September 22, 2026, Algerian Justice Minister Lotti Boudjemaa stated that the death penalty will be enforced against individuals involved in drug trafficking. The announcement was made during a visit to Oran, where the minister emphasized the government's commitment to combating organized crime, particularly in the area of drug trafficking. Boudjemaa noted that the President of the Republic has prioritized the amendment of the law to include stricter penalties for those involved in the trade of narcotics and psychotropic substances.

The minister highlighted the alarming rate of drug trafficking in Algeria, with millions of psychotropic pills and hard drugs circulating in the country. He stressed that this situation necessitates a firm and strict application of the law against those involved in the trade. Boudjemaa assured that all necessary guarantees are in place to ensure that the death penalty is applied after exhausting all legal avenues, including appeal procedures.

According to Boudjemaa, the government's efforts to combat drug trafficking are part of a broader strategy to tackle organized crime. He emphasized that the judiciary will work closely with other law enforcement agencies to identify and prosecute those involved in the trade. The minister's statement comes as Algeria continues to grapple with the challenges posed by drug trafficking, which has become a major concern for the country's authorities.

The enforcement of the death penalty for drug traffickers is part of a revised law aimed at strengthening the country's anti-drug legislation. The law, which was amended at the behest of the President of the Republic, seeks to provide a stronger deterrent against those involved in the trade. Boudjemaa's announcement is seen as a significant step in the government's efforts to combat drug trafficking and organized crime.

The issue of drug trafficking has become a major concern in Algeria, with the country serving as a transit point for narcotics and psychotropic substances destined for other countries in the region. The government's efforts to combat the trade have been hampered by the complexity of the issue and the need for a coordinated approach involving multiple agencies.

Boudjemaa's visit to Oran was part of a broader tour of the region aimed at assessing the government's efforts to combat drug trafficking and organized crime. During his visit, the minister met with local authorities and law enforcement officials to discuss the challenges posed by the trade and the measures being taken to address them.

The Algerian government's efforts to combat drug trafficking have been welcomed by citizens, who have expressed concerns about the impact of the trade on the country's youth and society as a whole. The enforcement of the death penalty for drug traffickers is seen as a significant step in the government's efforts to address the issue and provide a safer and more secure environment for Algerians.

Key points

  • The Algerian government has vowed to enforce the death penalty against individuals involved in drug trafficking as part of a broader strategy to combat organized crime.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.