Algeria: major drugs operation sees huge cannabis confiscation
A major drugs operation by the Algerian Army has seen huge amounts of cannabis confiscated on the border with Morocco, despite concerns over the Rabat-Algiers relationship jeopardizing border security.
Reported by government-friendly AL24 News in Algeria on March 20th, combined Army detachments in coordination with different security forces, between 13 and 18 March, have foiled the smuggling operation of over 3000 kilograms of cannabis.
“As part of the sustained counterterrorism efforts and the fight against organized crime, units and detachments of the People’s National Army carried out, during the period of March 13-18, 2025, many operations resulting in quality results reflecting the professionalism, vigilance and permanent readiness of our armed forces across the national territory,” according to a statement made by the People’s National Army on March 19th.
The operation also involved the arrest of 14 terrorist supporters, many of whom rely on the profitability of transnational, organised crime to fund their terrorist networks.
Algiers have emphasised their dedication to the fight against organised crime and terrorism on their borders “as part of the sustained efforts to counter the scourge of drug trafficking in our country,” at the same time as the Algerian government are discussing ways to enhance border cooperation with their Tunisian neighbour.
According to a statement by the Algerian government, a phone call between Algerian Prime Minister Nadir Larbaoui and his Tunisian counterpart Kamal Madouri was “an opportunity to highly commend the distinguished relations between the two countries and their brotherly peoples.”
However, the abysmal relationship between Algeria and Morocco due to Rabat’s claim over Western Sahara – a position staunchly opposed by Algeria who provide support to the opposition Polisario Front.
The regular spats between Rabat and Algiers result in unilateral border security policy, leading to inadequate border security and the proliferation of terrorism and smuggling operations.
Maghrebi reported that the Moroccan Association for Assisting Migrants in Difficult Situations has urged both governments to strengthen cooperation so that they can combat trafficking networks that exploit vulnerable migrants.
Despite the Algerian government promoting their recent successes, their inability to negotiate border security policy with Morocco in their attempt to pressure Rabat on their stance on Western Sahara means the busts they complete are less successful than they could be.
AL24 News, Middle East Monitor, Maghrebi
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