Casablanca's Judicial Police Department, acting on intel from the General Directorate of Territorial Surveillance (DGTS), thwarted a major international drug trafficking operation in the early hours of Wednesday morning. The operation led to the seizure of 10 tons and 300 kilograms of chira, according to a statement from the General Directorate of National Security. The statement details that the operation, conducted in coordination with local Royal Gendarmerie units, involved stopping two utility vehicles on the outer Casablanca highway. One vehicle was stopped without incident. The driver of the second vehicle, however, refused to comply. His companion threatened police officers and bystanders by firing several shots from a hunting rifle with a loaded cartridge belt. «To prevent this dangerous attack, particularly since the suspect was deliberately firing at officers and civilians, a member of the anti-gang squad was forced to use his service weapon», the statement explains. «Four warning shots were fired, followed by a single shot that neutralized the threat and allowed for the arrest of the suspect and his companion. Unfortunately, the suspect succumbed to his injuries during the intervention». Authorities seized a significant quantity of chira from both vehicles, totaling approximately 10 tons and 300 kilograms. The narcotics have been handed over to customs officials for processing. Additionally, the hunting rifle and ammunition used to threaten officers were confiscated. Three suspects were arrested in connection with the operation and are currently in police custody. The Public Prosecutor has ordered a judicial investigation to uncover the full network involved. The body of the deceased suspect has been transported to the morgue for an autopsy.
