Morocco arrests suspected people traffickers

Moroccan authorities yesterday began an investigation into an international human trafficking network, which included members of auxiliary forces.

Al-Massae newspaper quoted a source as saying that the investigations had come after the “elements of the dirt center of the Royal Gendarmerie in the village of Arkman in the northern province of Nador overthrew a network described as criminal.”

The source pointed out that the network was “in charge of managing clandestine immigration and human trafficking,” adding that it had comprised “delinquents and former members of the auxiliary forces.”

“The former forces were facilitating crossings along the border, in return for commissions,” the source explained, noting that the network was exposed during a security operation carried out by the gendarmerie.”

The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, went on to say that the defendants had been placed under arrest in the Burquez prison after being charged.

“Early investigations have shown that the suspects were also accused of cooperating with others in the cities of Nador and Fez to facilitate illegal immigration and smuggling of those wishing to enter [the Spanish enclave of] Melilla in return for sums of money,” the source said.

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