Suspect arrested for alleged arson and drug use in Houara forest fire

The King's Attorney General at the Court of Appeal in Tangier announced on Wednesday that an investigation into the forest fire in the Houara area, within the commune of Gueznaia, has led to the arrest of an individual near the scene. The suspect was allegedly found in possession of a bag containing ten lighters, a cannabis pipe, and a small knife.

The fire, which devastated large areas of the forest, prompted the public prosecutor’s office to instruct the Royal Gendarmerie to open an urgent investigation. Once the suspect was identified and apprehended, he was placed in custody for questioning to clarify the circumstances of the incident.

After appearing before the prosecutor on Wednesday, the suspect was charged with allegedly setting the forest fire intentionally, drug use, and illegal possession of weapons.

The investigating judge has ordered the suspect's detention at Tangier 2 prison, the same source added. The prosecutor’s office has pledged to update the public on the investigation’s findings once it concludes, in line with transparency and proper law enforcement practices.