On October 9, 2026, a significant operation was conducted by the Royal Gendarmerie in the rural town of Dar Kebdani, Driouch province. A notorious drug trafficker, wanted in multiple cases, was apprehended after engaging in a firefight with gendarmes. The suspect, whose identity has not been disclosed, was located following extensive surveillance and intelligence efforts. The operation was a collaborative effort between local and regional gendarmerie units.
The arrest unfolded when gendarmes approached the suspect, who responded by firing shots from a rifle. The gendarmes returned fire and successfully subdued the individual without sustaining any injuries. During the operation, authorities seized two hunting rifles, 144 rounds of ammunition, and various other items. The suspect was found to be in possession of a substantial amount of narcotics, including 31 grams of cocaine and psychotropic pills.
The seized materials also included four electronic scales, multiple mobile phones, storage devices, and several thousand dirhams in cash, as well as foreign currency. A luxury vehicle and several license plates, both foreign and Moroccan, were also confiscated. The gendarmes discovered menottes, a lacrymatory bomb, and a balaclava among the suspect's belongings. The cache of goods suggests a large-scale drug trafficking operation.
The suspect, besides being involved in drug trafficking, is also wanted for charges related to voluntary homicide using a firearm and illegal immigration. Authorities have launched an extensive search for an accomplice who managed to escape during the intervention. Rattling operations are ongoing in the region to locate and apprehend the fugitive.
The successful arrest is a result of meticulous planning and coordination between various units of the Royal Gendarmerie, including the Dar Kebdani gendarmerie, the Nador regional command, and the Mdiar company. The operation demonstrates the authorities' commitment to combating drug trafficking and organized crime in Morocco.
The investigation is being led under the supervision of the competent public prosecutor. Authorities continue to pursue leads on the suspect's network and additional accomplices. The seized assets and narcotics signify the substantial scale of the trafficking operation, highlighting the severity of the threat posed by such criminal activities.
As the search for the escaped accomplice continues, residents in the region are urged to cooperate with authorities and report any suspicious activities. The arrest of the drug trafficker marks a significant achievement for Moroccan law enforcement in their ongoing efforts to dismantle drug trafficking networks and enhance public safety.
Key points
- The suspect was in possession of 31 grams of cocaine and psychotropic pills.
- Authorities seized two rifles, 144 rounds of ammunition, and a luxury vehicle.
- The suspect is also wanted for charges related to voluntary homicide and illegal immigration.
