Abdelouafi Laftit, Minister of the Interior, affirmed that “combating drug-related crimes is among the priorities of the local authorities,” in response to rising public concern over the propagation of new drug Pouffa in Morocco.
“It poses security challenges and criminal risks mainly linked to organized crime; Especially the smuggling of drugs and hallucinogenic pills,” said the Minister in a written answer to a parliamentary question.
Pouffa, Moroccans name for crack cocaine, has taken over headlines recently for its seemingly surprising propagation among youths from underprivileged backgrounds.
The Minister indicated that the security management of these crimes is based on a global approach aimed at restricting supply and strengthening surveillance in border areas as well as on the roads to fight against trafficking of drugs.
“It also aims to reduce demand by taking preventive measures, in particular by carrying out awareness-raising campaigns and by strengthening surveillance of public places frequented by young people and minors, such as cafés, clubs and gaming centers,“ he added.
This approach also emphasizes awareness-raising and education, in particular by informing students about the risks of drug use and addiction.
During the 2022/2023 school year, the awareness campaigns organized by the services of the General Directorate of National Security reached a total of 713,782 students in 8,675 educational establishments of different levels, in collaboration with 2,971 associations, revealed Laftit.
During the mentioned school period, the security operations carried out around educational establishments led to the processing of 3,870 cases, resulting in the arrest of 4,286 suspects, added the Minister.
From January 1, 2020 to the end of May 2023, a total of 200 cases related to the Pouffa drug were registered, and none of them were registered in the vicinity of educational institutions. 282 people were arrested and brought to justice.
Discussion of the repercussions of the spread and trafficking of the dangerous drug on its users had quickly reached the Moroccan parliament, after a number of MPs asked in writing the Minister of the Interior about the procedures and efforts to combat the substance.
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