Official: Morocco extradites 12 smuggling suspects to Algeria

Moroccan authorities have extradited 12 suspected drug smugglers across a sealed land border to Algeria, a Moroccan official said yesterday.

The official said Rabat “made efforts to speed up the extradition process and coordinate with Algerian authorities, in keeping with respect for judicial cooperation treaties,” explaining that the handover took place on Monday.

He added that the suspects, 11 Algerians and a Mauritanian, had been subject to international arrest warrants issued by Algerian authorities for suspected involvement in narcotics smuggling.

The exchange comes amid unprecedented tension between the two north African neighbours.

In August, Algiers cut diplomatic relations with Rabat, citing “hostile actions” carried out by Morocco. A claim that was rejected.

READ: Muslim scholars call on Morocco, Algeria to restore relations