On Tuesday afternoon, a joint operation between Morocco's National Security services and Customs authorities at Port Tanger Med successfully thwarted an international drug trafficking operation, resulting in the seizure of 971 kilograms of cocaine. The operation was carried out during a joint border control exercise, where security elements discovered cocaine plates inside a refrigerated container on a ship flying the flag of a Latin American country.
According to a security source, the initial investigation revealed that the container carrying the cocaine had departed from a Brazilian port and was headed to a West African port. The cocaine was hidden inside a refrigerated container, indicating a sophisticated attempt to evade detection. The successful interception is a significant blow to international drug traffickers.
The judicial investigation was opened by the Prefectural Service of Judicial Police in Tangier, under the supervision of the competent Public Prosecutor's Office. The probe aims to uncover all the circumstances and aspects of this criminal operation. The authorities are working to identify the individuals and networks involved in this attempted trafficking.
Morocco's National Security Directorate's (DGSN) National Bureau (Interpol Rabat) has been tasked with coordinating international cooperation to identify the criminal network behind this operation. This will involve working with international partners to gather intelligence and track down those responsible for the attempted trafficking.
The seizure of 971 kilograms of cocaine is a significant achievement for Moroccan authorities, demonstrating their commitment to combating international drug trafficking. The country's strategic location at the crossroads of Europe, Africa, and the Americas makes it a critical point in the global fight against drug trafficking.
The successful operation at Port Tanger Med highlights the importance of international cooperation in the fight against organized crime. Morocco's collaboration with other countries and international organizations will be crucial in disrupting the activities of drug trafficking networks.
The authorities have not disclosed any information on arrests or individuals linked to the attempted trafficking. The investigation is ongoing, and further details are expected to be released as the case unfolds. The Moroccan government remains committed to strengthening its security measures to prevent such attempts in the future.
Key points
- Moroccan security forces seized 971kg of cocaine at Port Tanger Med.
- The cocaine was hidden in a refrigerated container on a ship from Latin America.
- An investigation is underway to identify the criminal network behind the attempted trafficking.