Morocco police seize 5.4 tonnes of chira in Tangier

RABAT - Police of the Tangier Med port District foiled, on Saturday, in coordination with the Customs services, an attempt to traffic 5 tonnes and 438 kg of chira on board a freight truck.

According to preliminary data from the investigation, joint border control operations conducted by elements of the national police and customs revealed that the driver of the truck was trying to use false export documents while preparing to travel to Spain, said a statement by the national police (DGSN).

This attempt has required to submit this vehicle to a thorough search with the help of dogs of the police dog squad, said the DGSN, adding that this operation has revealed that large quantities of chira were hidden in cavities specially arranged in the trailer and chassis of the truck.

The operation to unload the cargo allowed the seizure of 5 tonnes and 438 kg of chira, in the form of plates prepared for international trafficking, while investigations have led to the arrest of the driver of the truck, a Moroccan aged 45 years, said the same source.

The suspect was placed in custody to complete the investigation entrusted to the brigade of the Tangier Med port judicial police under the supervision of the prosecutor's office, in order to determine any possible ramifications of this criminal activity nationally and internationally, concluded the statement.