Seven Gendarmes jailed in Morocco over alleged cover-up for drug baron linked to murder

A Moroccan court ordered the detention of seven gendarmes on charges of aiding a drug baron who later allegedly committed a murder. Two other officers were released on bail under judicial supervision, the Settat Court of Appeal announced early Friday.

The case, which centers on events in the El Borouj district of the Beni Meskine region, involves allegations that the officers concealed the baron’s activities before he reportedly killed an associate in late November 2023.

The victim had previously worked for the baron, driving drug-laden vehicles and handling various tasks in El Borouj. After serving time in prison, he turned his life around, opening an auto repair shop to support his family. However, sources say the baron lured him back into drug trafficking before he ultimately decided to leave the trade permanently.

The baron maintained a relationship with the victim, who continued to assist with legitimate family matters. Tensions reportedly escalated when the baron’s wife sought the victim’s help to thwart her husband’s plans to marry a second woman. This included visits to spiritual practitioners to influence the baron.

Feeling betrayed and plagued by suspicions of impotence, the baron allegedly became increasingly violent toward his wife. On the night of November 25-26, 2023, he reportedly lured the victim to his home under false pretenses. Along with accomplices, the baron assaulted the victim with a weapon, abducted him in an SUV, and transported him to a farm where he was tortured, suspected of being sexually assaulted, and left for dead.

The victim’s family was anonymously notified to retrieve him. He was found in critical condition and transported to a hospital, but he succumbed to his injuries.

Authorities launched an extensive investigation under the supervision of the Settat Public Prosecutor’s Office. Police identified 11 suspects, arresting five and detaining them in Ain Ali Moumen Prison. A minor connected to the case was questioned, and national arrest warrants were issued for six others.

Three vehicles were seized from a farm near El Borouj, including an SUV bearing traces of the victim’s blood. Authorities also confiscated significant quantities of cannabis resin, hemp, and tobacco leaves believed to be linked to the drug operation.

The case has highlighted concerns about corruption and collusion in Morocco’s law enforcement system, prompting calls for reforms and accountability in the judiciary and police forces. Investigations are ongoing.