Five arrested in Morocco for possession and distribution of nitrous oxide

Acting on intelligence from the General Directorate of National Territorial Surveillance, Moroccan judicial police units in Casablanca and Marrakech arrested, Thursday, five individuals, including one foreign national, suspected of involvement in possessing and distributing nitrous oxide gas for non-medical purposes.

The arrests occurred during simultaneous raids in both cities and their suburbs. The first suspect was apprehended in Casablanca upon arrival in a delivery vehicle, carrying 18 packages containing dozens of nitrous oxide canisters suspected to be used for non-medical purposes, particularly anesthesia.

Two further arrests were made in Casablanca. These individuals, suspected of being part of the distribution network, were caught with 333 additional canisters of the gas. Authorities also located and seized a hidden cache of the substance in a warehouse near Berrechid, bringing the total seized in Casablanca to 50,098 canisters of various sizes.

In Marrakech, the fourth and fifth suspects, a foreign national and their accomplice, were arrested with a combined total of 100,280 small-sized canisters and 22 large canisters of nitrous oxide, along with a significant amount of suspected drug proceeds.

All five suspects are undergoing judicial investigation under the supervision of the Public Prosecution. The investigation aims to identify any further accomplices and dismantle this criminal network across the country.