Police arrest 18 suspects in Laayoune over theft, drug trafficking and violence

Police in the southern Moroccan city of Laayoune have arrested 18 people, including a woman and a minor, over suspected involvement in various criminal offenses during the past 10 days, according to security officials.

The suspects are being investigated in connection with alleged theft, violence, threats, drug trafficking and the sale of illicit alcohol, among other offenses.

Nine of the suspects are suspected of involvement in theft cases involving cars, homes and commercial establishments, as well as violent theft and assaults involving knives or vehicles. A minor is among those suspected in the theft-related cases.

Other alleged offenses include trafficking in hard drugs, producing and selling mahia, a locally distilled alcoholic beverage, threatening others and damaging private property. The cases also include domestic violence against family members, assault, threats with bladed weapons and breaking into private residences.

Police seized 28 grams of cocaine, 20 liters of mahia and 415 liters of fermented raw materials used to produce the alcoholic beverage. They also confiscated an undisclosed sum of money suspected of being proceeds from criminal activities.

The suspects have been placed under judicial investigation under the supervision of the competent public prosecutor’s office, while police coordinated with relevant authorities over outstanding arrest warrants for some of those detained.

The arrests are part of ongoing efforts by Laayoune’s anti-gang unit to combat crime and apprehend individuals suspected of involvement in criminal activities.

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