The Central Service for Combating Illicit Drug Trafficking (SCLTIS), a specialized unit within the General Directorate of National Security (DGSN), has successfully dismantled a sophisticated international organized criminal network. The culmination of this extensive operation saw the suspects presented before the Public Prosecutor on August 20, 2026. This illicit network, which had established significant operational bases, primarily functioned in the west of the country, extending its reach far beyond national borders.
Extensive Drug Seizure
Authorities seized a substantial quantity of illicit substances and valuable assets during the meticulously planned operation. The confiscated drugs included an astounding 10,400,000 capsules of 'Pregabalin', a psychotropic substance often abused for its psychoactive effects. In addition to the massive haul of psychotropic capsules, investigators also secured 33.4 kg of hard drugs, specifically cocaine, showing the network's involvement in multiple types of narcotics trafficking. The total quantity of seized psychotropic capsules exceeded 10 million, while the cocaine seizure surpassed 33 kg.
Beyond the narcotics, law enforcement officials seized over 1 billion and 500 million centimes, identified as criminal revenues directly generated by the network's illicit activities. This significant financial confiscation notes the lucrative nature of their operations. The full operation resulted in the arrest of 25 members of the criminal organization, dealing a severe blow to its structure and capabilities. Among those apprehended were one woman and one foreign national, indicating the diverse composition and international connections of the illicit trafficking group. The arrests show the broad scope of the network's recruitment and operational reach.
International Network Uncovered
The dismantling of this criminal enterprise was the result of extensive and diligent intelligence work by investigators from the Central Service for Combating Illicit Drug Trafficking (SCLTIS). This key intelligence gathering commenced in January of the current year, marking the initial phase of the complex investigation. This early intelligence led to the identification of an international network characterized by diverse operational nodes and a hierarchical structure.
Further investigations meticulously revealed the command and control structure of the network. It was determined that Moroccan drug barons and their accomplices, reportedly wanted by Algerian justice for various offenses, directed the illicit activity from their bases in Morocco. This cross-border direction was a key element in the network's operational model. The intelligence also uncovered the key role played by network members based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, who were responsible for managing and transferring the substantial funds and revenues generated by the illicit trade. This financial component was vital for the network's continued operation and expansion. It was discovered that other accomplices involved in the sophisticated operation were located in France, further illustrating the truly international nature of the criminal enterprise.
The extensive intelligence gathering culminated in a series of simultaneous arrests of suspects across multiple wilayas within Algeria. These highly coordinated arrests took place in key locations including Oran, Tizi Ouzou, Algiers, Blida, and Tipasa, targeting individuals identified as central figures in the criminal organization. The precision of these arrests was a testament to the thoroughness of the SCLTIS investigation.
Assets and Value
Authorities seized over 10 million psychotropic capsules and more than 33 kg of cocaine during the operation, representing a substantial blow to the drug trade. The market value of these confiscated products is estimated at nearly 1,000 billion centimes, reflecting the immense profitability of such illicit activities. In addition to the narcotics and cash, further seizures included 19 vehicles of various categories, among them a semi-trailer truck specifically configured as a tanker, likely used for large-scale transportation. Additionally, three motorcycles were impounded as part of the ongoing investigation into the international drug network, providing further evidence of the logistical capabilities of the criminal organization. These seizures collectively highlight the significant assets accumulated and utilized by the network in its widespread illicit operations.