Major Drug Bust in Al Hoceima: Four Sentenced to 10 Years Each

A court in Al Hoceima has handed down a stiff 10-year prison sentence to each of four men involved in a bold drug trafficking operation. The convicts were caught by the Royal Navy on May 29th as they prepared to export a significant amount of hashish by sea. The interception occurred while the accused were on a "Phantom" type speedboat, a fast vessel commonly used for such illicit activities. The swift action of the naval forces was critical in thwarting the smuggling attempt and apprehending those responsible. In addition to the prison terms, the court imposed a fine of 20,000 dirhams on each individual. In a firm ruling, the judge ordered the complete destruction of the seized drugs and the permanent confiscation of the boat used in the crime. The Customs Administration will also be awarded a joint compensation of over 549,000 dirhams. The charges they faced were extensive and serious, including possession, transportation, organized trafficking, attempted unlicensed export, and obstruction of justice, reflecting the gravity of the dismantled operation.