Next steps set for 'Escobar of the Desert' case after judge's decision

The investigating judge at the Casablanca Court of Appeal has decided to prosecute Said Naciri, president of Wydad Casablanca Club, for charges of international drug trafficking, forgery, and forming a criminal gang.

Sources at Hespress have reported that the investigating judge has also ordered the prosecution of Abdenbi Bioui the head of the eastern region, in the same case. Bioui faces charges of forging contracts related to real estate and truck documents, as well as two charges of international drug trafficking and forming a criminal gang.

The investigating judge is expected to refer the file to the Criminal Chamber of the First Instance of the Court of Appeal. This will determine the date for the first trial sessions for the accused in the “Escobar of the Desert” case, which originated from the arrest of a Malian trader in Morocco.l.

The detailed interrogation of Said Naciri, president of Wydad Casablanca Football Club, was completed by the investigating judge in late February.

The investigation into this case, which began last summer following a complaint by international drug baron Hajj Ahmed Bin Ibrahim, has seen rapid progress. Alongside Naciri and Bioui, a group of individuals, including former parliamentarian Belkacem Mir from the Authenticity and Modernity Party, businessmen, a fashion designer, company managers, merchants, a notary, security personnel, and public service members are under scrutiny.