Cocaine seizures increased dramatically in Morocco in 2021, reaching a total of 1.43 tonnes of this white powder, according to the Directorate-General for National Security (GDEA), and more than 100,000 people were arrested in the fight against drug trafficking.
GDEA handled more than 80,000 cases involving drug possession and trafficking this year, according to annual statistics released this week.
Of the approximately 103,000 people arrested and brought to justice, 261 are foreigners.
The largest amount of cocaine (1.35 tonnes) was seized on October 18 in the port of Tangier (north) on a ship bound for Brazil, bound for the ports of Antwerp (Belgium) and Portbury (southern England).
By 2020, Moroccan police had seized 132 kilograms of cocaine, the GDAA recalled.
For several years, the kingdom’s prosecuting authorities have multiplied the seizures of large quantities of cocaine, as Latin American cartels use Morocco as a platform for drug trafficking to Europe.
As for other drugs, 191.16 tons of cannabis were seized, a quantity reduced by 12% compared to 2020, as well as three kilos of heroin (-64%).
Morocco was the largest producer of cannabis resin in 2020 worldwide, according to the United Nations.
The kingdom passed a law in May decriminalizing the use of cannabis for medicinal and industrial purposes, which will enter into force following the issuance of implementing decrees specifying in particular the geographical areas concerned.
Moroccan media reported this week that 12 tonnes of drugs were found and confiscated – without specifying which substances – were transported by a truck near Tangier and that he was arrested for allegedly being a drug lord.
In addition, the GDEA and the General Directorate of Territorial Administration seized almost 1.5 million tablets of psychotropic substances, among them more than 50,000 ecstasy pills, a record amount increased by 200% and more compared to 2020.
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