Combating Drug Trafficking: Record Seizures in 2026 and Road Safety Concerns

The first half of 2026 saw record-breaking seizures of drugs and psychotropic substances by security forces, including over 36 million pregabalin pills, one ton of cocaine, more than 23 tons of cannabis, and one million ecstasy tablets. During a national forum in Algiers, Tarek Kour, Director General of the National Office for Combating Drugs and Addiction, stated that these figures highlight significant security challenges requiring a multidimensional approach. He emphasized the critical link between drug use and road accidents, noting that 2025 saw over 26,000 traffic accidents resulting in thousands of casualties. The implementation of Law 26-09, enacted in May 2026 to toughen penalties for driving under the influence, was highlighted as a key regulatory tool. Kour stressed that success depends not only on legislation but also on providing technical detection equipment and improving personnel training as part of the 2025-2029 national strategy.