Morocco: Narco War & Gutter Diplomacy

Major Drug Trafficking Ring Busted: Moroccan And Spanish Links Exposed

Paris, France – A Major Drug Trafficking operation, allegedly involving the importation of narcotics from Morocco and Spain, has been dismantled by French authorities. Twelve individuals, including ten men and two women, have been arrested, indicted, and imprisoned, according to French media reports. The arrests follow an investigation that began in the fall of 2023 and culminated in a series of raids and seizures in june 2025.

Investigation Uncovers Extensive Network

The Investigation Began following anonymous facts pointing to a resident of Coulommiers as a key drug trafficker. Using a range of surveillance techniques, including telephone monitoring and physical surveillance, investigators from the Territorial Crime Section (SCT) identified accomplices, including four nurses accused of storing drugs imported from Spain and Morocco.

On June 17, 2025, another police service in the Pyrénées-Orientales intercepted a “Go Fast” operation, arresting one of the traffickers and seizing 578 kg of cannabis. Following this arrest, on June 24, SCT investigators, with police reinforcements, arrested twelve suspects aged 21 to 60 in their homes.

Seizures And arrests Details

During the searches, authorities seized critically important quantities of drugs and cash. The seized items included 465 grams of cannabis resin, 55 grams of cannabis grass, 4 grams of cocaine, ecstasy pills, and 31,600 euros in cash.all twelve suspects were afterward placed in police custody, indicted for drug trafficking, and then placed in pre-trial detention.

The Successful operation Highlights the ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking networks operating within Europe.

Alleged Moroccan Links And International Implications

Investigations by various police agencies and Europol suggest that the Makhzen-the Moroccan government-is implicated in a “Narco-War,” allegedly using drug trafficking as a form of blackmail to gain support for its expansionist goals. Did you know? In May 2023, Morocco was elected to preside over the UN drug control organization, a move that has drawn criticism, given these allegations.

Pro Tip: Stay informed about international drug policies and the role of various countries in combating drug trafficking to better understand the complexities of this global issue.

These investigations allege that many individuals arrested in Western Europe for drug-related offenses have links to the Makhzen, the General Directorate of Studies and Documentation (DGED), and even the Moroccan royal family. Moreover, there are established connections between Moroccan networks and South American drug cartels.

Key Seizures in the Operation

Drug Type	Quantity Seized
Cannabis Resin	465 grams
Cannabis Grass	55 grams
Cocaine	4 grams
Ecstasy	4 stamps
Cash	€31,600

European Concerns Mount

The Situation Has Sparked concern in European parliaments. Certain deputies are questioning their governments’ silence regarding the harm caused by Moroccan “gutter diplomacy” to their countries’ interests and young people. Morocco, alongside Afghanistan and Colombia, is a major cannabis producer, raising significant concerns about global public health.

Evidence Indicates Collusion between the Makhzen, the royal family, and cannabis producers, who allegedly enjoy impunity and protection for their activities, particularly in European markets.

The Evolving Landscape Of Drug Trafficking

Drug trafficking remains a significant global challenge, with constantly evolving routes and methods. Recent trends indicate an increase in the use of maritime routes for large-scale drug shipments.According to a 2024 report by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), global drug trafficking is increasingly complex, involving a wider range of actors and transit countries.

The Digital Age has Also played a role, with online platforms and encrypted communications facilitating drug sales and distribution. The UNODC emphasizes the need for international cooperation and updated strategies to combat these evolving threats effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What Types Of Drugs Were Involved In The Drug Trafficking Operation?

The Seized Drugs Included Cannabis Resin, Cannabis Grass, cocaine, And Ecstasy.

• Where Were The Arrests For Drug Trafficking made?

The Arrests Took Place In the Ile De France Region, Specifically In Coulommiers, And Also In the
Pyrénées-Orientales During A ‘go Fast’ Operation.

• What Is The Alleged Connection Between Moroccan Entities And drug Trafficking?

Reports Suggest A Potential Connection Between Moroccan Networks, Including Possible Links To The Makhzen and
Other Entities, And Drug trafficking Activities. These Allegations are Still Under Investigation.

• How Much Cash Was Seized During The Drug Bust?

Authorities Seized Approximately 31,600 Euros In Cash During The Searches.

• What Actions Were Taken Against The Individuals Arrested For Drug Trafficking?

The Twelve Suspects Were Indicted For Drug Trafficking And Placed In Pre-Trial Detention By A Judge Of
Liberties And detention Of The Judicial Court Of Meaux.

• What Role Does Morocco Play In International Drug Control?

Morocco’s Election to The Presidency Of The UN Drug Control Organization (International Narcotics control
Organization) Has Raised Concerns, Particularly given Allegations Of Moroccan Involvement in Drug
Trafficking.

What are your thoughts on the international implications of this drug bust? How can countries better cooperate to
combat drug trafficking?

Share your comments below.

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Morocco’s Narco War & Gutter Diplomacy: A Deep Dive

The Rise of Moroccan Hashish & Cocaine Trafficking

For decades, Morocco has been a important producer of cannabis hashish, a key source for the European market.However, in recent years, the country has become a crucial transit point for cocaine originating from South America, destined for Europe and increasingly, sub-Saharan Africa. This shift has fueled a “narco war” – a struggle between Moroccan security forces, rival drug cartels, and the complex web of political interests intertwined with the drug trade. The increased presence of cocaine has also led to a rise in associated violence, challenging the traditionally more stable hashish market.

Key Players in the Moroccan drug Trade

Identifying the key players is challenging due to the clandestine nature of the operations. Though, several groups are consistently implicated:

• Local Cartels: These groups, frequently enough based in the Rif Mountains (historically the hashish production heartland), control cultivation, processing, and initial transport.
• International Networks: South american cartels, especially those from Colombia, Peru, and Bolivia, utilize Moroccan routes and networks to reach European markets.
• Corrupt Officials: Allegations of corruption within Moroccan security forces and government institutions are frequent, suggesting complicity in facilitating drug trafficking.
• European Organized Crime groups: These groups act as the primary buyers and distributors within Europe.

Gutter Diplomacy: A Controversial approach

“Gutter diplomacy” refers to Morocco’s alleged use of illicit means – including bribery, blackmail, and leveraging the drug trade – to gain political advantages, particularly concerning the Western Sahara dispute. This strategy involves allegedly turning a blind eye to, or even facilitating, drug trafficking in exchange for political support from European countries and influencing international opinion regarding the disputed territory.The accusations are serious and have strained relations with some European nations.

Western Sahara & The Political Calculus

The Western Sahara conflict, a decades-long dispute over the sovereignty of the territory, is central to understanding Morocco’s motivations. Morocco seeks international recognition of its claim over Western Sahara, and some allege that it uses its control over drug trafficking routes as leverage. By controlling the flow of drugs, Morocco can potentially influence the policies of European countries that are key to securing that recognition. This creates a complex geopolitical dynamic where counter-narcotics efforts are often overshadowed by political considerations.

Impact on Regional Security & Stability

The Moroccan narco war has significant implications for regional security:

• Increased Violence: Competition between cartels and clashes with security forces are escalating, leading to increased violence and instability.
• Corruption & Erosion of Governance: The involvement of corrupt officials undermines the rule of law and weakens state institutions.
• Transnational crime: The drug trade fuels other forms of transnational crime, such as money laundering and human trafficking.
• Regional Instability: The flow of drugs and associated criminal activity