Algerian Security Forces Dismantle Terrorist Group in Illizi: Seizure of Over 2.4 Million Psychotropic Capsules, Heavy Weaponry, and Advanced Equipment

BY: Dr. Hana Saada

Algiers, Algeria | December 30th, 2024 — In a decisive operation underscoring Algeria’s commitment to national security, law enforcement authorities successfully dismantled a terrorist group comprising six individuals, including two foreign nationals, in the Takate region of Illizi. This significant bust led to the seizure of a staggering quantity of over 2.4 million psychotropic capsules, alongside heavy weaponry and sensitive equipment, highlighting the group’s alarming capabilities and intentions.

The Ministry of Justice announced in a statement on Monday evening that the case was referred to the Counterterrorism and Organized Crime Division at the Sidi M’Hamed Court in Algiers. The initial investigation, conducted by the regional branch of the judicial police in Ouargla, resulted in the apprehension of the suspects and their subsequent presentation before prosecutors on December 30.

A Cache of Weapons and Sophisticated Equipment

During the operation, security forces confiscated a substantial arsenal, including:

• Three FMPK machine guns,
• Two Kalashnikov rifles,
• A significant quantity of military-grade ammunition,
• Four wireless communication devices, including three Thuraya satellite phones,
• Two four-wheel-drive vehicles.

The evidence underscores the group’s capability to execute high-risk operations, posing a direct threat to Algeria’s national stability.

Grave Criminal Charges Filed

The six suspects face an array of serious charges under Algeria’s anti-terrorism and organized crime laws, including:

• Membership and participation in terrorist organizations,
• Attempted assassination,
• Trafficking of weapons posing a grave threat to national security,
• Possession, transportation, and use of military-grade weapons and ammunition,
• Unlawful importation and use of sensitive equipment to facilitate other crimes,
• Smuggling of psychotropic substances on a massive scale,
• Organized criminal activities, including the storage, transport, and distribution of psychotropic substances,
• Money laundering through habitual criminal enterprise.

Following their interrogation by the investigative judge, all six individuals were remanded into custody pending further legal proceedings.

A Coordinated and Decisive Response

This successful operation reflects Algeria’s unyielding resolve to combat terrorism and transnational organized crime. It also highlights the enhanced coordination between the nation’s judicial, police, and security forces in safeguarding its territorial integrity.

The Ministry of Justice emphasized that this operation marks a critical step in neutralizing threats that could destabilize the country. The seizure of advanced weapons and communication devices points to the group’s broader intent to orchestrate attacks, amplifying the need for vigilance and decisive action against similar networks.

 

 

 

 

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