Morocco’s “Escobar of the Sahara” Drug Trial: Five Suspects Arraigned

Five suspects faced a Moroccan court in connection with the “Escobar of the Sahara” drug trafficking case, which involves high-profile figures such as Abdenbi Bioui and Said Naciri. The trial is ongoing, with implications of organized cannabis smuggling from Morocco to Europe, drawing attention to the country’s drug trafficking crisis.

In a significant drug trafficking trial, a Moroccan court examined five suspects linked to the so-called “Escobar of the Sahara” case. The trial features high-profile individuals, including Abdenbi Bioui and Said Naciri, both associated with Morocco’s Wydad AC football club. Since 2023, a total of 25 people have faced charges related to drug possession, marketing, export, and corruption, causing national concern.

The casino trial has been postponed multiple times, with its next session scheduled for February 21, 2024. Five defendants presented their testimonies before a judge in Casablanca regarding their roles within an organized drug trafficking network. They are suspected of smuggling cannabis from Morocco to Algeria, and phone call records backing these claims were discussed during proceedings.

Prosecutors connected the defendants to Bioui, a political figure formerly in leadership roles within the ruling coalition. Despite the evidence, the suspects claimed they are merely farmers and livestock herders, denying any involvement in drug trafficking activities. One defendant admitted to a past invitation to partake in drug dealing but rejected the offer outright.

Additionally, the prosecution suggested connections between the defendants and Hadj Ahmed Ben Brahim, a Malian inmate serving time for international drug trafficking. Ben Brahim, known as the “Pablo Escobar of the Sahara,” was apprehended in 2019 after a substantial cannabis resin seizure in 2015. Historically, the Rif region of Morocco has been notorious for cannabis production and trafficking to Europe.

The ongoing court case involving the “Escobar of the Sahara” underscores the severity of drug trafficking issues in Morocco, implicating notable figures and raising questions about organized crime in the region. With significant delays in the trial process, the outcome remains pending, highlighting the complexity of prosecuting high-profile drug-related cases.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com