Laayoune : 14 people arrested for alleged links to international drug trafficking network

The prefectural service of the judicial police of the city of Laayoune on Saturday arrested, in coordination with the Royal Gendarmerie, fourteen people, including a Mauritanian and a Senegalese, suspected of links to an international drug trafficking criminal network and possession of firearms.

Searches carried out in a Saharan area located about 30 km from Laayoune, in the direction of Smara, led to the seizure of a Kalashnikov, 66 bullets and a hunting rifle, in addition to 5.8 tons of cannabis resin, National Police (DGSN) said in a release.

Searches also led to the discovery of bladed weapons, a geolocation device, a false license plate and three 4x4 vehicles, in addition to sums of money in national and international currency suspected of coming from international drug trafficking, the source added.

An investigation is underway under the supervision of the competent public prosecutor's office to shed light on the possible ramifications of this network at the national and regional levels, it said.

This operation is part of efforts made by national security services to fight against drug trafficking and cross-border crime.