The Moroccan regime and the protection of drug lords: The Makhzen, the Moroccan regime, is currently at the center of a scandal involving the protection of drug lords. The case involving Moroccan artist Mehdi Zouhairi, who was sentenced to ten years in prison by the court of Boulogne in France for his involvement in drug trafficking, has revealed a system of protection closely linked to the Makhzen. This system allows drug traffickers to enjoy permanent residence in Morocco to avoid arrest and prosecution, despite international arrest warrants issued against them and convictions exceeding 10 years.

Mehdi Zouhairi, a rapper and producer, leads an international drug trafficking network generating revenues exceeding 5 million euros. After being sentenced to ten years in prison and fined over two million euros, he sought refuge in Morocco to escape justice. Media sources have revealed that the Moroccan regime actively protects Zouhairi and other drug lords from legal proceedings, even though they are considered criminals in Europe.

The Makhzen’s fear of exposing the secrets of the “drug empire”

The Mehdi Zouhairi case highlights the Makhzen’s fear of exposing the secrets of the “drug empire” it has created outside international laws. International networks involved in drug trafficking often consist of Moroccans, artists, individuals working in various fields, or university students. Some of them may be forced to resort to violence to settle scores, as was recently seen in Spain, where a young Moroccan killed a drug lord.

These cases and incidents are often used as part of “settling scores” between international network barons involved in illegal drug trafficking, in order to prevent the exposure of the Makhzen’s plans. Moroccan authorities appear to be willing to do anything to protect these criminals, even at the cost of sacrificing their international reputation and violating international laws.

The Makhzen trapped in its own conspiracies

The Makhzen seems to be trapped in its own conspiracies and finds itself in a predicament. The case of fugitive Moroccan artist Mehdi Zouhairi is one example among others. If Zouhairi were to be arrested, it would further expose the criminal plans of the Moroccan regime, forcing it to continue protecting criminals to prevent its actions from being exposed. This delicate situation jeopardizes the credibility and reputation of the Moroccan regime on the international stage and raises questions about the country’s willingness to combat drug trafficking and collaborate with other nations to dismantle criminal networks.

Consequences for Morocco and international cooperation

The protection provided by the Makhzen to drug lords has direct consequences on international cooperation in the fight against drug trafficking. European countries, particularly France, may reconsider their collaboration with Moroccan authorities in terms of intelligence and judicial cooperation. This could also lead to diplomatic tensions between Morocco and the countries involved in these drug trafficking cases.

Furthermore, the protection offered by the Moroccan regime to drug traffickers could encourage more criminals to seek refuge in Morocco, turning the country into a haven for drug lords. This could also have a negative impact on the Moroccan economy and tourism, as investors and tourists may fear for their safety and well-being in a country where organized crime is protected by the authorities.

Efforts to combat drug trafficking in Morocco

Despite the involvement of the Makhzen in protecting drug lords, some efforts are being made to combat drug trafficking in Morocco. Moroccan security forces have seized large quantities of drugs and arrested several traffickers in recent years. However, these efforts appear to be insufficient given the magnitude of the problem and the involvement of the Moroccan regime in protecting international criminals.

For the fight against drug trafficking to be truly effective in Morocco, it is essential for the government and local authorities to fully cooperate with international organizations and partner countries to dismantle criminal networks and put an end to the protection provided by the Makhzen to drug lords.

The case of Moroccan artist Mehdi Zouhairi and the protection offered by the Makhzen to drug lords highlight the challenges that Morocco faces in combating drug trafficking. The protection of international criminals by the Moroccan regime tarnishes the country’s reputation and compromises its cooperation with other nations in the fight against drug trafficking. It is crucial for Morocco to take concrete steps to end this protection and to strengthen international cooperation in order to effectively combat this scourge, which affects not only Morocco but also other countries worldwide.

Necessary reforms for lasting change

To achieve lasting change, Morocco must undertake structural and legislative reforms to eradicate the corruption and impunity that foster the protection of drug lords. This involves reviewing existing laws, implementing control and accountability mechanisms, and promoting transparency within government institutions and law enforcement agencies.

Additionally, awareness and education campaigns need to be conducted to inform the population about the dangers associated with drug trafficking and to encourage citizen collaboration with authorities in reporting criminal activities. Strengthening cooperation with non-governmental organizations and civil society initiatives can also play a crucial role in the fight against drug trafficking and the protection of criminals in Morocco.

The role of the international community

The international community also has a role to play in assisting Morocco in combating drug trafficking and ending the protection provided by the Makhzen to drug lords. Partner countries and international organizations can exert diplomatic and economic pressure on Morocco to comply with international standards in the fight against drug trafficking and to end the protection of international criminals.

Furthermore, cooperation and information sharing among intelligence agencies and law enforcement forces from different countries are essential to dismantle criminal networks and bring to justice the drug lords hiding behind them. Establishing mechanisms for international collaboration to combat drug trafficking is a major issue for regional and global security and stability.

Ultimately, the fight against drug trafficking and the protection of international criminals in Morocco require concerted efforts from the Moroccan government, civil society, and the international community. Only a comprehensive and coordinated approach will put an end to the impunity of drug lords and ensure a safer and more stable future for Morocco and the region as a whole.