Moroccan security forces seized approximately 6.5 tons of cannabis resin and arrested a truck driver in a major anti-smuggling operation in southern Morocco, authorities said Friday.
The operation was carried out Thursday night by motorcycle units of the Royal Gendarmerie in the Sidi Ifni region, under the Guelmim regional command, according to local authorities.
Security forces intercepted the truck at a checkpoint along the Tiznit-Dakhla highway near the commune of Lakhsas at around 10 p.m., officials said.
The search led to the seizure of 190 packages of hashish weighing nearly 6.5 tons, in addition to an inflatable boat and two jet engines believed to be intended for maritime trafficking operations.
Authorities arrested the truck driver, a 30-year-old man, who was placed in custody under the supervision of the public prosecutor’s office pending further investigation.
Investigators are working to identify other suspected members of the trafficking network, which authorities believe may have international links connected to drug smuggling routes between Morocco and Europe.
The operation forms part of broader efforts by the Royal Gendarmerie in coordination with regional security services in Guelmim to combat international drug trafficking and irregular migration networks operating in southern Morocco.
