ALGIERS – The Algerian People’s National Army (ANP), in coordination with national security services, thwarted attempts to smuggle over 16 quintals (1.6 tons) of processed cannabis (kif) across the border with Morocco during operations conducted from July 1 to July 8, according to an ANP operational report released on Wednesday.
These operations reflect the sustained efforts and high level of professionalism of Algeria’s armed forces in combating terrorism and transnational organized crime across the national territory, the report emphasized.
As part of the fight against terrorism, seven individuals providing support to terrorist groups were arrested during separate operations across the country.
In the battle against organized crime and drug trafficking, combined ANP units, in coordination with various security services, arrested 42 drug traffickers and seized 16 quintals and 45 kilograms of kif from the Moroccan border. In addition, 8.67 kilograms of cocaine and nearly 1.8 million psychotropic tablets (1,783,279 units) were confiscated in operations conducted in multiple military regions.
In the southern regions of Tamanrasset, Bordj Badji Mokhtar, and In Salah, 573 individuals involved in illegal gold mining were apprehended. Authorities also seized 51 vehicles, 231 generators, 138 jackhammers, explosives, gold ore mixtures, detonators, and other tools used in illicit mining activities.
Furthermore, 42 individuals were arrested in separate operations, with the seizure of one semi-automatic pistol, 17 hunting rifles, 48,800 liters of fuel, 20 quintals of tobacco, and 22 tons of foodstuffs intended for smuggling and speculation.
Coast Guards also prevented several illegal migration attempts along the national coastline, rescuing 486 individuals aboard makeshift boats. Meanwhile, 218 undocumented migrants of various nationalities were arrested across the country.
