Moroccan Intelligence Helps Seize 4.7 Tons of Hashish \ Newslooks \ Washington \ Spain’s Civil Guard, supported by Morocco’s Directorate of Territorial Surveillance (DGST), seized 4.7 tons of hashish off the Canary Islands in a joint operation. Four suspects were arrested, emphasizing Morocco’s crucial role in international anti-narcotics efforts. This operation is part of Morocco’s ongoing strategy of intelligence-sharing and partnerships to combat global drug trafficking.
Moroccan Intelligence Helps Seize 4.7 Tons of Hashish ,Deep On Newslooks
In a significant display of international counter-narcotics collaboration, Morocco’s Directorate of Territorial Surveillance (DGST) supported Spain’s Civil Guard in intercepting and seizing more than 4.7 metric tons of hashish off the Canary Islands. Conducted on November 12, 2024, this joint operation illustrates Morocco’s growing influence and commitment to tackling global narcotics trafficking, underscoring the strategic value of its partnerships with international security agencies.
The intervention unfolded between the Canary Islands of Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura, where two boats were tracked and apprehended, each carrying a substantial haul of 131 bundles of hashish. According to Spanish authorities, the operation relied heavily on a maritime surveillance system that enabled early detection of the vessels, which were located approximately 80 kilometers off the coast.
With Moroccan intelligence aiding the Spanish team, four suspects were detained and are now in Spanish custody, awaiting further legal processing. Spanish judicial authorities ordered pre-trial detention as they continue to investigate the broader trafficking network behind the operation. This seizure is part of a larger pattern in which Morocco’s involvement has significantly bolstered efforts to disrupt narcotics trafficking channels that cross the Mediterranean to reach European markets.
As a primary gateway between Europe and Africa, Morocco faces unique challenges and responsibilities in curtailing the movement of illicit substances across borders. The DGST and other Moroccan security forces regularly engage in comprehensive strategies that span both national and international levels. Domestically, Morocco’s anti-narcotics efforts include strict enforcement of anti-trafficking legislation and the active involvement of the Royal Moroccan Gendarmerie. Internationally, Morocco’s strategy includes partnerships with numerous nations, particularly Spain and France, to combat the transit of narcotics into Europe.
These collaborative initiatives often involve intelligence-sharing, coordinated operations, and specialized training exercises that bolster Morocco’s capacity to target and dismantle drug trafficking organizations. In recent years, Morocco has also expanded its cooperation to involve countries beyond Europe, such as the United States and others within the Middle East and Africa. Through this diverse network, Moroccan authorities contribute valuable intelligence and operational expertise, essential to curbing transnational crime and protecting international borders.
The recent success of the operation near the Canary Islands demonstrates the impact of Morocco’s anti-narcotics efforts and reinforces the mutual benefits of its security alliances. By actively engaging with European partners and offering its intelligence resources, Morocco not only safeguards its own interests but also aids in protecting the broader region from the influence of organized crime. The partnership between Moroccan and European security agencies has yielded a series of high-profile narcotics busts, illustrating a shared commitment to halting both drug trafficking and other illicit activities.
As global drug trafficking networks grow increasingly sophisticated, Morocco’s central role in countering narcotics continues to expand. The country’s proactive and collaborative approach underscores its dedication to a unified, cross-border response to narcotics trafficking, a stance that has established Morocco as a vital ally in the international anti-narcotics arena. Through sustained intelligence-sharing, joint operations, and its strategic commitment to tackling drug-related threats, Morocco plays a critical part in maintaining regional and global stability, underscoring the value of strong, cooperative security frameworks in today’s interconnected world.