Algeria intensifies drug seizures at Moroccan border amid rising cannabis trafficking

The over 1,500-kilometer border between Algeria and Morocco remains a focal point for intense drug trafficking, particularly cannabis, posing a significant security challenge.

Recent operations by Algerian forces highlight the scale of the issue, as drug seizures in this strategic zone escalate.

Algerian forces have reported significant cannabis seizures in recent weeks, underscoring the complexity of combating this transnational threat.

While it remains nearly impossible to completely seal the border, Algeria has increased its vigilance to protect its territory from this persistent flow of illicit substances.

Record Seizures in November

From November 6 to November 12, 2024, the National People’s Army (ANP) and security services intercepted over nine quintals of processed cannabis and arrested 32 drug traffickers.

This followed earlier seizures of over twelve quintals of cannabis and the detention of 37 traffickers between October 30 and November 5.

These continuous operations reflect the scale and persistence of drug trafficking despite the combined efforts of Algeria’s security apparatus.

In a major operation on October 4, nearly 94 kilograms of cannabis were confiscated in the border towns of Tlemcen and Naâma, areas known as hotspots for illegal trade.

Securing a Challenging Border

Despite these successes, Algerian authorities acknowledge the difficulty of completely securing the border.

Complex terrain and sophisticated tactics employed by Moroccan traffickers, including clandestine routes and drone smuggling, complicate efforts.

This evolving challenge demands continuous adaptation by Algerian forces.

Authorities have expressed growing concern over the quality of seized cannabis.

Recent batches have contained Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) levels as high as 50%, attributed to the cultivation of high-yield hybrid strains in Morocco.

While more lucrative, this potent cannabis poses increased risks to consumers.

Locally, Algerians refer to Moroccan cannabis as “marocaïne,” a term reflecting its origins.

Morocco’s Leading Role in Cannabis Production

According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) 2022 World Drug Report, Morocco is the world’s top cannabis producer, with an estimated annual output of 700 tons.

Algeria frequently accuses its neighbor of flooding regional markets, including Algeria’s own.

This issue is particularly sensitive in France, where the illegal drug trade, heavily influenced by Moroccan cannabis, reportedly generates nearly €4 billion annually, as per France’s national statistics institute, Insee.

In response, Algeria is intensifying border security efforts. Besides cannabis, recent weeks have seen seizures of significant quantities of cocaine, psychotropic tablets, and other illicit substances.

These operations form part of a broader strategy to combat transnational crime, including fuel smuggling, food trafficking, and illicit mining activities.

For Algeria, protecting its citizens from drug trafficking’s harmful effects and asserting control over its borders is a critical yet complex battle amid escalating tensions with Morocco.