The Algerian People's National Army (ANP) has intensified its efforts to combat drug trafficking, seizing a significant quantity of drugs and arresting multiple traffickers. According to the Ministry of National Defense, ANP detachments intercepted 28 narcotrafiquants and foiled attempts to introduce eight quintals and 44 kilograms of kif treated, originating from the borders with Morocco. Additionally, 75,526 psychotropic tablets were seized during operations conducted across various military regions.
The latest operation is part of Algeria's continued efforts to counter the scourge of narcotics in the country. The ANP has been working in coordination with different security services to dismantle drug trafficking networks. In a bid to strengthen its anti-narcotics efforts, Algeria has revised its legislation to allow security services to reveal the identities of drug barons. This move aims to enable the population to identify and report these individuals.
The Algerian government has also taken steps to improve its prison infrastructure to accommodate high-profile drug traffickers. On September 8, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune presided over a working meeting to discuss the transformation of a military barracks in the Tanezrouft desert into a high-security prison for drug barons and narcotrafiquants. The meeting examined the modalities of reception of this prison and its placement under the tutelage of the Ministry of Justice.
The decision to transform the Tanezrouft barracks into a high-security prison was made during a High Security Council meeting on September 2. This move is part of a broader strategy to combat drug trafficking and organized crime. Algeria has been working to strengthen its anti-narcotics efforts, with a focus on disrupting the supply chains of drug traffickers.
In addition to its anti-narcotics efforts, the ANP has also been working to combat terrorism and other forms of organized crime. During operations conducted between October 28 and November 3, ANP detachments arrested four individuals who provided support to terrorist groups. The ANP also intercepted over 100 individuals involved in illicit gold prospecting.
The ANP's efforts to combat organized crime have yielded significant results, with the seizure of large quantities of contraband goods. In separate operations, the ANP seized 26 vehicles, 165 generators, 88 pickaxes, and quantities of gold and equipment used in illicit gold prospecting. The ANP also seized 11 firearms, 16,921 liters of fuel, 11 tons of tobacco, and three tons of foodstuffs intended for smuggling.
The Ministry of National Defense has commended the ANP's efforts, stating that the operations reflect the high professionalism, vigilance, and permanent readiness of the Algerian forces. The ANP's continued efforts to combat organized crime and terrorism demonstrate its commitment to maintaining national security and stability.
Key points
- Algerian army seizes 8 quintals of drugs, arrests 28 traffickers in latest anti-narcotics operation
- Algeria transforms Tanezrouft barracks into high-security prison for drug barons
- ANP conducts operations against terrorism, organized crime, and illicit gold prospecting
