Army operations thwart drug smuggling and detain dozens of traffickers across the country

Joint detachments of the People's National Army, working alongside security services, arrested 28 drug traffickers and blocked attempts to smuggle over eight quintals and 44 kilograms of treated hashish from the borders, alongside the seizure of more than 75,000 psychotropic pills. In separate security actions, 119 individuals were arrested for illegal gold panning with various related tools confiscated, while additional suspects were caught with weapons, fuel, tobacco, and foodstuffs intended for smuggling. The Ministry of National Defence stated that operations spanning from October 28 to November 3, 2026, highlight the high level of professionalism and vigilance maintained by the armed forces. These measures follow decisions to convert a military barracks in the Tanezrouft desert into a high-security prison dedicated to major drug barons, a project reviewed during meetings chaired by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune alongside top military and judicial officials.