The suspect, aged 30, was arrested at a farm in the rural area of Sidi El Mekki on the outskirts of Berrechid, according to a statement by the Directorate General of National Security (DGSN), adding that the investigations carried out determined the location of the commercial vehicle where the drugs were hidden.

The vehicle, bearing falsified number plates, was loaded with 103 bales of Chira totaling one ton and 826 kg, the same source added.

The searches also led to the seizure of doses of cocaine and a second utility vehicle, as well as several false car license plates, while the operation to check the suspect against the National Security’s database revealed that he is the subject of national search warrants issued by the Ouazzane, Khouribga, Beni Mellal and Tetouan judicial police and Royal Gendarmerie services, for his alleged involvement in other cases linked to drug trafficking and attempted voluntary manslaughter, stressed the statement.

The suspect was placed in police custody to complete the judicial investigation being conducted under the supervision of the competent public prosecutor's office, with a view to determining the possible ramifications of this criminal activity and arresting all accomplices.

This security operation is part of the intensive efforts being made by the DGSN and DGST services to combat international drug and psychotropic drug trafficking networks, concluded the statement.