Latest news with #DGSN
Morocco World
a day ago
- Morocco World
Moroccan Police Seize Over 3 Tons of Cannabis Near Essaouira
Rabat – Moroccan police have foiled an attempt to smuggle a large quantity of drugs near the coastal city of Essaouira. The operation, which took place early Tuesday morning, was carried out by the regional police in Essaouira in coordination with Morocco's intelligence agency. The General Directorate of National Security (DGSN) said in a statement that police seized three tonnes and 30 kilograms of cannabis resin (locally known as chira). The drugs were found packed in 80 bundles, hidden near the rural coastal area of Sidi Ishaq. During the operation, officers also found 29 plastic containers filled with 725 liters of fuel, likely intended to power boats used in smuggling activities. Police arrested three individuals suspected of being part of an international drug trafficking network. The suspects were caught with MAD 120,000 in cash, believed to be profits from illegal activities. Authorities have launched a full investigation, under the supervision of the public prosecutor, to uncover more details about the network and identify other individuals involved in the smuggling operation. The DGSN said it remains committed to fighting international drug trafficking and dismantling the criminal networks behind it. Tags: CannabisDrug bustessaouira
Morocco World
23-06-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
Morocco's DGSN Steps Up Efforts to Combat Forest Crimes
At a strategic meeting held at the Royal Police Institute in Kenitra, Abdellatif Hammouchi, Director General of Morocco's National Security and Territorial Surveillance (DGSN), reinforced his agency's commitment to strengthening law enforcement efforts against crimes targeting the country's forest resources. Speaking during a dedicated study session, Morocco's top security official noted the need for police and partner institutions to adapt their methods to counter increasingly sophisticated environmental crimes. The event, held under the theme 'Protection of Forest Heritage and Wildlife: A Legal Responsibility and a National Duty', brought together officials from law enforcement, the judiciary, and Morocco's National Agency for Water and Forests (ANEF). Hammouchi noted the DGSN's investment in scientific and technological tools to bolster criminal investigations, alongside targeted training programs to enhance the skills of law enforcement personnel. He spoke about the importance of inter-institutional coordination in promoting environmental protection, in line with the national strategy 'Forests of Morocco 2020–2030', launched by HM King Mohammed VI. The strategy aims to ensure sustainable forest management and reconcile conservation needs with resource development, while preserving the country's natural capital. Toufiq Azroual, ANEF's Director of Human Capital and Logistics, said Moroccan forests face mounting threats from climate change, urban sprawl, and increasingly organized environmental crime. He noted the agency is modernizing training and operational methods to enhance the effectiveness of the forest police. The study day featured sessions on prevention, enforcement, and institutional cooperation in addressing environmental and wildlife-related offenses. (MWN with MAP) Tags: ANEFDGSNforest crimesHammouchiMorocco
Morocco World
14-06-2025
- Morocco World
Marrakech Police Arrest Interpol-Wanted French-Malian National
According to a statement released by Morocco's General Directorate of National Security ( DGSN ), the suspect is wanted in connection with the execution of a prison sentence for international drug trafficking as part of a criminal gang, as stated in the agency's official X post. The individual was confirmed to be under the international warrant through an Interpol database check, which revealed he is also wanted for money laundering in addition to criminal drug activities. Following his arrest, the suspect was placed under pre-extradition detention. French judicial authorities have been formally notified and are expected to send an official request from Paris to proceed. This is a continuing part of Morocco's strong presence contributing to Interpol's work in global security. Interpol President Ahmed Naser Al Raisi has previously lauded the country's efforts, describing their active involvement in more than a dozen Interpol-led projects as 'exceptional.' Morocco has established itself as a key security partner on the international stage, regularly offering intelligence support to assist foreign authorities in tracking and apprehending wanted individuals. Tags: DGSN and DGSTInterpolInterpol and morocco
Morocco World
06-06-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
Interpol Appoints Morocco's Leïla Zouine Vice Chair of Cybercrime Expert Group
Rabat – Morocco has been elected to a leading position in Interpol's Global Cybercrime Expert Group, a move that shows the country's growing influence in international security cooperation. During a session held on Thursday at Interpol's headquarters in Lyon, Divisional Commissioner Leïla Zouine was named vice chair of the group. Zouine, who heads the cybercrime division at Morocco's General Directorate of National Security (DGSN), will be responsible for a key area known as 'empowerment.' Her work will focus on designing concrete tools and frameworks to support victims of cybercrime while building the capacity of law enforcement agencies to respond to the challenges of digital crime. The appointment took place during the expert group's inaugural annual meeting on June 4 and 5, where members elected the leadership team and outlined the group's strategic direction. As vice chair, Zouine will play a central role in shaping how international police forces approach the growing threat of cybercrime. This election is part of Morocco's broader initiative to update its national security framework and become a dynamic participant in international cooperation. Over the past few years, the DGSN has introduced specialized cybercrime units, more comprehensive training, and cross-border collaborations to better address the growing sophistication of cyber threats. The progress is measurable. During 2024, Moroccan police recorded a 95% clearance rate of crime, according to the DGSN annual report. As the North African country experienced fewer attacks and thefts altogether, cybercrime soared by 40%, with blackmail and sextortion cases becoming more prevalent. Despite the rise, the majority of incidents were handled effectively, thanks to the 'E-Blagh' platform that allows individuals to report cybercrime directly and in real-time. Morocco's inclusion in the Global Cybercrime Expert Group leadership lends further significance to it as a reliable partner to global policing. The election also illustrates how national capacity can evolve into global responsibility, as nations combine resources and skills to address shared security threats. Tags: cybercrimeDGSNLeila ZouineMoroccoMorocco Interpol
Morocco World
05-06-2025
- Morocco World
DGSN Arrests 118 for Baccalaureate Exam Cheating in Morocco
Rabat – Morocco's General Directorate of National Security (DGSN) has announced the arrest of 118 individuals, including 16 women and 12 minors, in connection with cases of exam fraud during the 2025 baccalaureate session. The individuals are suspected of participating in cheating operations as organizers, accomplices, or direct participants. The arrests took place amid heightened security measures during the exam period, with the first-year baccalaureate exams held from May 26 to 27, and the national unified exams from May 29 to June 2. The DGSN worked in coordination with national police units to monitor activity at all 1,995 examination centers across the country. Authorities also seized a large number of electronic tools used to facilitate cheating, including 98 mobile phones, 87 earpieces, 641 batteries, 7 laptops, and 28 internet connection devices. The crackdown forms part of the DGSN's sustained efforts to combat academic fraud, ensuring the rigorous application of legal and regulatory measures. These efforts aim to maintain the integrity of the national exams and guarantee conditions of fairness, transparency, and equal opportunity for all students. Despite the deployment of electronic scanners and other control tools, incidents of cheating persisted. Local media reported that photos of exam papers surfaced on social media shortly after test sessions began. A Ministry of Education official clarified that these were not classified as 'leaks,' as the photos were taken after official exam envelopes were opened in examination rooms. Under Law 02.13 on exam fraud, those found guilty of leaking questions or assisting in providing answers could face prison sentences of three months to two years, and fines ranging from MAD 1,000 to MAD 20,000 ($100 to $2,000). Candidates caught using unauthorized electronic devices or exchanging answers can be fined between MAD 2,000 and MAD 5,000 ($200 to $500). To supervise the 2025 exams, the Ministry of Education mobilized over 50,000 proctors to oversee nearly 30,000 examination rooms nationwide. The results of the regular session are scheduled to be released on June 14, while the make-up session will run from July 3 to 7, with results expected on July 12. Tags: baccalaureat examsCheating in Bac examsDGSN
