Morocco arrests Deroua drug trafficker wanted on 84 warrants

The Royal Gendarmerie in Deroua arrested a well-known suspect on Saturday on charges of trafficking alcoholic beverages and the drug known as «pouffa», as well as involvement in several violent robberies. The man was the subject of more than 84 nationwide arrest warrants and had been wanted in connection with numerous cases spanning several years, during which he allegedly remained active.

According to the daily Assabah, officers seized an SUV, bladed weapons, a large quantity of alcoholic beverages found at the suspect’s home, as well as narcotics and doses of «pouffa».

The arrest was carried out as part of a series of simultaneous operations. In the commune of Sidi Mekki, in Berrechid province, Royal Gendarmerie officers reportedly fired warning shots to neutralize a threat posed by drug traffickers who attempted to attack gendarmes at a farm, the newspaper reported.

Meanwhile, police in Mediouna arrested another suspected trafficker operating in Douar Chlouh, near the commune of Ouled Ziane. The man was wanted nationwide by both National Security services and the Royal Gendarmerie.

According to the Arabic-language daily, the operations form part of a large-scale security campaign launched in recent days by the Royal Gendarmerie’s Berrechid detachment.