A prominent medical practitioner in Fes, Morocco, was taken into custody and imprisoned at Borj Kairuz on Tuesday. The arrest stems from an investigation into the issuance of medical prescriptions suspected to be used for obtaining narcotic pills and facilitating their use by others. Following interrogation, the public prosecutor decided to pursue the doctor while in detention on charges including issuing false prescriptions to assist others in using narcotics, participating in drug trafficking, and releasing inaccurate statements.
The case originated from an inquiry by the Judicial Police into a medical prescription issued in the name of an individual detained on charges related to the possession and trafficking of narcotic pills. Investigations revealed that one of the prescriptions was dated while the concerned individual was in prison, prompting investigators to broaden their probe. Police heard testimonies from two employees at the doctor's clinic and confronted the doctor with the gathered evidence.
During the investigation, varying statements were made by the parties involved regarding the circumstances under which the prescriptions were issued. The doctor admitted at one stage that the mother of the detained individual visited the clinic and received a prescription in her son's name, after it was discovered that the son was in detention at the time. Further investigation uncovered additional prescriptions for medications, including LYRICA 300 MG, ARTANE, and ZEPAM.
A detained individual, whose name appeared in the investigation, provided what authorities considered crucial statements in the case. He claimed he had never visited the doctor's clinic or undergone a medical examination there but wanted a prescription for narcotic pills to resell them. He stated that he used an acquaintance who acted as an intermediary with the doctor and paid 1000 dirhams for a prescription including LYRICA 300 MG.
The investigation also involved another individual who had previously received prescriptions from the doctor, stating that he was under the doctor's care for psychological disorders and personally collected prescriptions containing medications like LYRICA. The mother of the detained individual was also questioned and faced confrontation with the doctor and a clinic employee due to inconsistencies in their accounts of receiving the prescription.
The probe resulted in the seizure of several phones linked to the case, which were subjected to technical expertise, and other measures including confiscating the doctor's passport and closing the borders to him. The suspects in this case are reportedly at large, and a search is currently underway.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by Moroccan authorities to combat drug trafficking and prescription forgery. The public prosecutor's decision to pursue the doctor while in detention underscores the seriousness with which these allegations are being treated. As the investigation continues, further details may emerge about the extent of the doctor's alleged involvement and the network of individuals implicated in the case.
Key points
- A Moroccan doctor was arrested in Fes for allegedly issuing false prescriptions to aid in narcotics trafficking.
- The investigation revealed a network of individuals involved in obtaining and trafficking narcotic pills using prescriptions issued by the doctor.
- Authorities have taken measures to apprehend suspects and prevent further involvement in drug trafficking.
