Algeria’s Central Service for Combating Illicit Trafficking in Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (SCLTISSP) announced the dismantling of an organized international network following a significant drug bust. This extensive operation successfully targeted and disrupted the criminal structure of a sophisticated international network involved in drug trafficking. The careful investigation and subsequent actions led to the seizure of 10.4 million "Pregabalin" capsules and over 33 kg of cocaine, marking one of the country's most substantial drug interdictions to date. Authorities arrested 25 suspects simultaneously across five wilayas: Oran, Tizi Ouzou, Algiers, Blida, and Tipaza, demonstrating the widespread reach of the criminal enterprise and the coordinated response by Algerian law enforcement. On August 20, 2026, the suspects were presented before the Public Prosecutor at the specialized judicial pole in Sidi M'hamed, Algiers, to face charges related to their involvement in the illicit activities.
Scope of Seizures and Assets
The total value of assets seized in the operation is estimated at approximately 1000 billion centimes, which converts to over 75 million USD, showing the financial scale of the criminal organization. Authorities confiscated a substantial array of assets, including 19 vehicles, a tanker truck, and three motorcycles, all believed to have been used in the network's operations or acquired through illicit gains. Additionally, significant criminal proceeds in the national currency, totaling over 1.5 billion centimes, were seized during the intensive investigation into the international drug network, further noting the profitability of their illegal activities. These seizures represent a major blow to the financial infrastructure supporting the organized crime group.
International Network Uncovered
The investigation into the international drug network commenced in January of the previous year, according to authorities, indicating a long-term and complex intelligence-gathering effort. Officials stated the criminal organization managed its illicit operations from Morocco, utilizing established contacts in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and France to facilitate their activities, revealing the transnational nature and sophisticated logistics employed by the network. Among the individuals apprehended in connection with the operation were one woman and one foreign national, reflecting the diverse composition of the criminal group and its international connections. The SCLTISSP's efforts effectively dismantled the intricate web of this organized international network, severely impacting its ability to conduct illicit trafficking.
Operational Details and Background
The Algerian Central Service for Combating Illicit Trafficking in Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (SCLTISSP) initiated its thorough investigation into the international drug network in January of the previous year. This full operation, which spanned several months, culminated in the seizure of a staggering 10.4 million "Pregabalin" capsules and over 33 kg of cocaine. The significant quantity of narcotics seized shows the extensive reach and operational capacity of the dismantled network. Algerian authorities apprehended 25 suspects simultaneously across five wilayas: Oran, Tizi Ouzou, Algiers, Blida, and Tipaza, a testament to the coordinated efforts of law enforcement agencies across the country. Among those detained were one woman and one foreign national, indicating the diverse individuals involved in the criminal enterprise.
Officials stated the criminal organization managed its illicit activities from Morocco, establishing a base for its operations. The network reportedly utilized established contacts in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and France to facilitate their activities, demonstrating a complex international logistical chain for drug distribution and money laundering. On August 20, 2026, the 25 suspects were presented before the Public Prosecutor at the specialized judicial pole in Sidi M'hamed, Algiers, marking a critical step in the legal proceedings against the alleged traffickers. The total value of assets seized during the operation is estimated at over 75 million USD, which includes 19 vehicles, a tanker truck, and three motorcycles, all confiscated as evidence of criminal activity. Additionally, authorities confiscated over 1.5 billion centimes in national currency as criminal proceeds, further crippling the financial capabilities of the dismantled international drug network. This operation represents a significant success for Algeria’s efforts in combating organized crime and illicit trafficking.