Attempts to smuggle more than four quintals of processed cannabis across Algeria’s borders with Morocco were thwarted during operations carried out by combined detachments of the People’s National Army (PNA), in coordination with various security services, between December 17 and 23, the Algerian Ministry of National Defense said in its latest operational report.
The PNA stated that these operations are part of sustained efforts to combat terrorism and multifaceted organized crime. During the reporting period, army units across several military regions arrested 55 drug traffickers and seized 4 quintals and 58 kilograms of processed cannabis originating from the Moroccan border. In addition, security forces confiscated 1,293,818 psychotropic pills, reflecting what the ministry described as the high professionalism, vigilance, and permanent readiness of the armed forces nationwide.
In southern regions including Tamanrasset, Bordj Badji Mokhtar, In Guezzam, Illizi, and Djanet, PNA units arrested 427 individuals and seized 23 vehicles, 257 generators, 136 jackhammers, and quantities of raw gold, stones, and equipment used in illegal gold mining. Separate operations also led to the arrest of 13 individuals and the seizure of a Kalashnikov-type machine pistol, two automatic pistols, eight hunting rifles, 38,370 liters of fuel, two quintals of tobacco, and 34 tons of foodstuffs intended for smuggling and speculation. Meanwhile, the Coast Guard foiled illegal migration attempts along the national coastline, rescuing 124 people at sea, while 493 undocumented migrants of various nationalities were arrested across the country.
