The Algerian police have conducted a significant anti-drug operation in Algiers, resulting in the seizure of large quantities of psychotropics and the dismantling of a specialized drug trafficking network. According to a statement from the National Security, the operation led to the confiscation of nearly 2 million Pregabalin pills, 636 motorcycles, and 16 tourist vehicles. The police also arrested 11 individuals, including a woman and a foreign national from another African country.
The operation, which lasted for four months, involved the brigade of judicial police in Dar El Beïda. The psychotropic pills were hidden in oxygen bottle containers at a warehouse on the outskirts of Algiers. The pills were destined for distribution in the capital and had been transported from a southeastern province. The police also seized over 6 billion centimes in cash and a 12-caliber rifle.
The network, which was transnational and specialized in psychotropic drug trafficking and money laundering, operated under the guise of vehicle sales agencies. The police seized vehicles in the provinces of Touggourt and Ouargla. The total value of the seized assets is approximately 250 billion centimes.
The arrested individuals, including a woman and a foreign national, were presented before the prosecutor of the Republic at the specialized penal pole of the Sidi M'hamed court in Algiers on September 30. The police operation demonstrates the authorities' efforts to combat drug trafficking and related crimes.
The seized vehicles included 636 motorcycles and 16 utility and tourist vehicles of various categories and engine capacities. The network laundered its illicit proceeds through vehicle sales agencies. The operation highlights the complexity of the drug trafficking networks operating in Algeria.
The Pregabalin pills are a type of psychotropic substance often abused for their euphoric effects. The large quantity seized indicates a significant attempt to flood the local market. The Algerian police continue to target drug trafficking networks through sustained investigations and operations.
The authorities have been working to strengthen their anti-drug efforts, with a focus on disrupting transnational trafficking networks. The recent operation showcases the results of enhanced cooperation and intelligence sharing among law enforcement agencies.
Key points
- The Algerian police seized nearly 2 million psychotropic pills and 636 motorcycles in a major anti-drug operation.
- The operation resulted in the arrest of 11 individuals and the seizure of assets worth approximately 250 billion centimes.
- The dismantled network was transnational and specialized in psychotropic drug trafficking and money laundering.
