Police in the northern city of Fnideq arrested four people late Friday on suspicion of belonging to a criminal network involved in organizing irregular migration and human trafficking, authorities said.
The suspects, aged between 28 and 67, were detained by officers from the regional security precinct while allegedly preparing to carry out an illegal sea crossing involving nine would-be migrants, according to a police statement.
Authorities said the suspects were caught in the act while making logistical arrangements for the attempted crossing. Police seized 11 swimming suits and a vehicle believed to have been used to facilitate the operation.
The four suspects, along with the nine migrants, were placed under judicial investigation being conducted by the provincial judicial police in Tetouan, under the supervision of the competent public prosecutor.
The investigation aims to determine the full circumstances of the case and identify all criminal acts attributed to those involved, police said.
Morocco has stepped up efforts in recent years to combat migrant smuggling networks operating along its northern coastline, a key departure point for irregular migration toward Europe.
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