الخميس، 27 فبراير 2025 
BY: Hana Saada
ALGIERS- The Makhzen, the governing body of Morocco, has recently come under scrutiny for its involvement in a drug lord protection scandal. The case of Mehdi Zouhairi, a Moroccan artist who was sentenced to ten years in prison by the court of Boulogne in France for his involvement in drug trafficking, has shed light on a protection system that appears to be closely linked to the Makhzen. This system allows drug traffickers to evade arrest and prosecution by taking refuge in Morocco, despite the existence of international arrest warrants and sentences exceeding 10 years.
Mehdi Zouhairi, a rapper and producer, is said to lead an international drug trafficking network that generates over 5 million euros in revenue. After being sentenced to ten years in prison and fined more than two million euros, he fled to Morocco to avoid justice. Media sources have reported that the Moroccan regime is actively protecting Zouhairi and other drug lords from prosecution, despite their criminal status in Europe.
The Makhzen’s apprehension towards the exposure of their drug empire’ secrets is a matter of great concern. The recent Mehdi Zouhairi case has brought to light the Makhzen’s fear of revealing the illegal activities that they have been conducting outside the purview of international law. The drug trafficking networks that the Makhzen is involved in are often comprised of Moroccans, artists, university students, and individuals from various fields. Some of these individuals may resort to violence to settle scores, as evidenced by the recent incident in Spain where a young Moroccan killed a drug baron.
These cases and incidents are often utilized as a means of settling scores between the barons of international networks involved in illegal drug trafficking, in order to prevent the discovery of the Makhzen’s plans. The Moroccan authorities appear to be willing to go to great lengths to protect these criminals, even if it means sacrificing their international reputation and violating international laws.
The Makhzen has found itself ensnared in a web of conspiracies, leading to a dead end. The case of the fugitive Moroccan artist, Mehdi Zouhairi, is a prime example of this. If Zouhairi were to be apprehended, it would expose further criminal plans of the Moroccan regime. This precarious situation poses a significant threat to the credibility and reputation of the Moroccan regime on the international stage, raising questions about the country’s commitment to combating drug trafficking and collaborating with other nations to dismantle criminal networks.
The consequences of the Makhzen’s actions are dire, not only for Morocco but also for international cooperation in the fight against drug trafficking. European countries, particularly France, may reconsider their collaboration with Moroccan authorities on intelligence and judicial cooperation. This could lead to diplomatic tensions between Morocco and countries affected by drug trafficking.
Moreover, the protection offered by the Moroccan regime to drug traffickers could encourage more criminals to seek refuge in Morocco, turning the country into a safe haven for drug lords. This could have a detrimental 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 authorities!
(Translated with adaptation from/ MarocTvinfo)