Casablanca court deliberates verdict in case of 37 gendarmerie officers accused of collusion with drug trafficker

A Casablanca court has begun deliberations in the case of 37 Royal Gendarmerie officers accused of colluding with a drug trafficker in Beni Mellal, with a verdict expected soon.

The defendants, along with the primary suspect, a known drug dealer wanted under multiple national warrants, have denied charges of bribery and complicity, maintaining their innocence throughout the trial.

During Tuesday’s hearing, the defense for the accused trafficker, identified as M.S., argued that the quantities of narcotics cited in police reports did not match those acknowledged by the suspect during the investigative process. The defense further claimed that the defendant’s involvement in drug trafficking was driven by financial hardship and a lack of job opportunities in his region.

Additionally, the lawyer asserted that his client had not recognized several of the accused gendarmerie officers when presented with their photos during questioning, suggesting he had limited direct dealings with them. He also contended that bribes allegedly paid to law enforcement did not exceed 1 million dirhams ($100,000), implying the charges should be reduced from a felony to a misdemeanor.

The officers, stationed in Beni Mellal and surrounding areas, were arrested following intelligence reports indicating their alleged cooperation with the trafficker, despite his longstanding fugitive status. Authorities only apprehended him after receiving directives from the public prosecutor.

Upon his arrest, the drug dealer reportedly exposed his connections with the detained officers, admitting to providing them with bribes in exchange for protection. During his testimony before the investigative judge, he detailed instances of payments made both directly and through intermediaries.

The court, presided over by Judge Ali Tartchi, is now reviewing the case, with a ruling anticipated in the coming days.