Attempts to introduce over 12 quintals of cannabis resin via borders with Morocco foiled

ALGIERS — Attempts to introduce more than 12 quintals of cannabis resin through the borders with Morocco were thwarted, and 37 drug traffickers were arrested during operations carried out by combined detachments of the People's National Army (PNA), in coordination with the various security services, during the period from 30 October to 5 November, as per an operational report released Wednesday by the PNA.

[ecr]

“As part of the sustainable efforts in the fight against terrorism and the multifaceted organized crime, units and detachments of the PNA carried out, from 30 October to 5 November 2024, several operations that led to quality results mirroring the high professionalism, vigilance and constant availability of our Armed Forces nationwide,” the same source said.

As part of the fight against terrorism and “thanks to the efforts of the PNA units, three machine guns, a quantity of ammunition and other items were seized during two operations carried out in Illizi and Tamanrasset, while PNA detachments arrested 11 elements supporting terrorist groups in various operations nationwide,” the statement said.

As part of the fight against organized crime, and “in a continuation of the ongoing efforts aimed to counter the scourge of drug trafficking in our country,” combined detachments of the PNA intercepted, in coordination with the different security services during operations carried out throughout the Military Regions, “37 drug traffickers, foiled attempts to introduce 12 quintals and 96 kilograms of cannabis resin into the country from the borders with Morocco, and seized 2.5 kilograms of cocaine along with 636,307 psychotropic pills,” the same source said.

In Tamanrasset, Bordj Badji Mokhtar, Tindouf and In Guezzam, PNA’s detachments “arrested 120 individuals and seized 34 vehicles, 79 generators, 58 jackhammers, 4 metal detectors, in addition to quantities of stones and raw gold, explosives, detonation devices and equipment used in illegal gold mining operations,” the statement noted.

“8 other individuals were arrested and 9 hunting rifles, 2 automatic pistols, 12,903 liters of fuel, as well as 57.57 tons of foodstuffs intended for smuggling and speculation were seized, during separate operations nationwide.”

Additionally, “the Coast Guard foiled, on the level of our national coasts, attempts at illegal emigration and rescued 226 individuals aboard makeshift boats,” while “368 illegal immigrants of different nationalities have been arrested throughout the national territory,” the same source added.

[/ecr]