Morocco cuts illegal cannabis cultivation by over 88% since 2003

Morocco’s Ministry of Interior said the area used for illegal cannabis cultivation fell from around 134,000 hectares in 2003 to 15,496 hectares in 2026, representing a decrease of 88.43%.

In its 2026 performance report, the ministry attributed the decline to field operations by provincial committees tasked with fighting illegal cannabis cultivation.

The report mentioned that security operations carried out through the end of August 2026 also led to the seizure of more than 274 tons of hash, 53 tons of cannabis plants, 2956 kilograms of cocaine, 116 grams of heroin, and 856,102 hallucinogenic pills.

The operations also resulted in the dismantling of several drug trafficking networks and the seizure of vehicles and equipment used in their activities, including trucks, cars, international freight trucks, recreational boats, and jet skis.

The ministry said it stepped up efforts to fight drug trafficking through stronger security services, expanded basic and ongoing training, and greater exchanges of expertise and experience to improve their ability to tackle international trafficking networks, including those dealing in newly emerging drugs not subject to international control.

It noted that it increased surveillance along coastlines and land borders to prevent international drug trafficking attempts and counter the different routes and methods used by trafficking networks.

The ministry emphasized that it was paying special attention to psychotropic pills because of the risks they pose to public health and social stability, particularly among young people.

It said efforts to fight smuggling were also being accompanied by awareness campaigns to prevent drug use and limit its spread.

The ministry was also working with other authorities to target drug dealers operating near schools and prevent drugs from reaching students.

The report said the ministry was working with civil society groups to raise awareness of the health and social risks of drug use, particularly among youth.

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