Glimpse into state of affairs within Morocco’s Makhzen, chaos in Army, Royal Palace’s involvement in drug trafficking: Revelations from Moroccan officer Issou Abdelilah

BY: Hana Saada

ALGIERS- In an exclusive interview with Echorouk News, Moroccan dissident officer Issou Abdelilah sheds light on the internal struggles within the royal family, rampant corruption in the army, and the shocking transformation of the institution into a criminal gang involved in drug smuggling. His revelations provide a glimpse into the state of affairs within Morocco’s Makhzen regime and raise serious concerns about the country’ stability and security.

Struggles for Influence within the Royal Family

Issou Abdelilah discloses that fierce power struggles are taking place within the royal family, with various factions vying for influence in the Makhzen regime. This internal turmoil creates a chaotic environment where personal interests often supersede the needs of the nation. The resulting instability has far-reaching consequences, impacting both the military and the general governance of the country.

Army Turned Criminal Gang

Issou Abdelilah’s interview reveals shocking statements on the Moroccan army’s involvement in drug smuggling operations. He says that the army has been transformed into a criminal organization, actively engaging in drug trafficking from South America, through Western Sahara, to flood Algeria and European countries. The dissident officer asserts that the army has been using special routes and exploiting the desert and Mauritanian borders to transport tons of drugs, primarily hashish and more recently cocaine. This illicit activity paints a grim picture of an institution that should be safeguarding the nation’s security.

Issou Abdelilah further notes that the instructions to flood Algeria with drugs come from the inspector general of the Moroccan forces. Refusal to comply with these directives reportedly results in expulsion or, at best, a delay in promotion for the dissenting officers. Consequently, soldiers implement these orders, driven by a desire to maintain their positions within the military hierarchy. Issou Abdelilah claims that the senior officers involved in these activities profit from the drug trade, exacerbating concerns about corruption and the erosion of trust in the chain of command.

Corruption and Exploitation

According to Issou Abdelilah, corruption runs rampant within the Moroccan army. He asserts that high-ranking officers profit from the smuggling operations, while lower-ranking soldiers face exploitation and theft. The army has reportedly turned into a pay-to-play institution, where money determines everything from recruitment to promotions. Those who refuse to comply with corrupt practices risk expulsion or career stagnation.

The Royal Palace’s Involvement

Issou Abdelilah notes that the Moroccan palace plays a significant role in controlling the drug market and benefiting financially from it. He stresses that General Bennani, a high-ranking military officer, had connections with drug cartels in Latin America. Bennani was supposedly responsible for overseeing the transportation of drugs across the desert and their delivery to Europe. The dissident officer suggests that the palace receives a share of the drug money, pointing to the considerable increase in King Mohammed VI’s wealth.

Detailing, Issou stresses to have received information from the Spanish press attache confirming these claims. He cites an encounter with a smuggler named Hamidou El-Deeb, who claimed to have communication with the palace for organizing drug smuggling operations. El-Deeb mentioned that he possessed a private port exclusively dedicated to drug smuggling and had received authorization from the palace to trade weapons.

Issou mentions the aunt of King Mohammed VI, Fatima Al Zahra, as an intermediary between the palace and drug barons. It says that members of the royal family may be benefiting from the drug money, leading to a rapid increase in the king’s wealth, totalling 100 billion dollars.

Discrimination and Unfair Treatment

Issou Abdelilah highlights the widespread corruption within the Moroccan army, where discrimination and unfair treatment are pervasive. He asserts that soldiers in the southern regions face theft of supplies intended for them, including food and clothing. The senior officers exploit their positions to sell these supplies back to the soldiers, who often struggle to afford them on their meager wages. In contrast to neighboring Algeria, where accountability is enforced, Morocco’s military seems plagued by impunity.