Moroccan Analyst Badr Laidoudi Reveals to Dzair Tube: King Mohammed VI’s Sister, Princess Meriem, Accused of Conspiracy Against Princess Salma for Succession, Linked to ‘Sahara’s Escobar’ Baron

BY: Dr. Hana Saada

ALGIERS- In a shocking revelation to Dzair Tube channel, Moroccan political analyst Badr Laidoudi has brought to light a complex entanglement of royal family disputes and drug trafficking accusations. The focus of these startling statements is Princess Meriem, sister to King Mohammed VI, who stands accused of conspiring against Princess Salma in a bid for succession. Additionally, she is implicated in a drug trade collaboration with the notorious ‘Sahara’s Escobar’ Baron, adding another layer of intrigue to the unfolding scandal.

The saga unfolds as Princess Meriem sought, according to the Moroccan political analyst Badr Laidoudi, to eliminate her rival, Princess Salma, in the power struggle for succession within the royal family. This revelation marks a significant upheaval in the traditionally secretive world of Moroccan royalty. The implications of this familial feud extend beyond the realm of succession, with the scandal taking an unexpected turn into the shadows of illicit activities.

Badr Laidoudi’s disclosures have also linked Princess Meriem to a drug trafficking network, adding a layer of complexity to the already sensational narrative. The involvement of the ‘Sahara’s Escobar’ Baron, known for his notorious drug operations, raises questions about the extent of high-profile figures’ connections to illegal enterprises.

“Pablo Escobar of the Sahara”: Unveiling the Complex Tale of Morocco’s Drug Baron

The “Malian” and His Vengeance

Hadj Ahmed Ben Ibrahim, also known as the “Malian,” is a 47-year-old man with dual Moroccan-Malian nationality. His notoriety stems from his involvement in international cocaine trafficking. In 2019, he was arrested at Casablanca airport upon returning from Mauritania, where he had served several years in prison for the same offense.

However, what makes this story exceptional is the recent turn it has taken. After carefully plotting his revenge behind bars, Hadj Ahmed Ben Ibrahim decided to cooperate with authorities to disclose the sordid details of his drug trafficking network. The names he mentioned are far from unfamiliar.

Among the twenty individuals arrested and placed in custody are police officers, gendarmes, businessmen, real estate developers, a notary, and even the president of Wydad Casablanca, Saïd Neciri, the most decorated football club in Morocco. Another significant individual, real estate tycoon Abdenbi Bioui, has also been arrested. Both men are leaders of the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM), a political party within the Moroccan government led by Aziz Akhannouch. The involvement of these two political figures gives the case national significance and considerable media resonance.

The Weighty Legacy of the “Pablo Escobar of the Sahara”

Hadj Ahmed Ben Ibrahim was no small-time drug trafficker. Dubbed the “Pablo Escobar of the Sahara,” he was a baron of hard drugs, smuggling shipments of cocaine from Latin America to West Africa and then to Europe, using a network with international ramifications. Upon his arrest in 2015 by Mauritanian gendarmes, his vehicle was carrying no less than three tons of cocaine. The comparison with the famous Colombian drug lord is not exaggerated.

The rise of Hadj Ahmed Ben Ibrahim is the result of a series of extraordinary circumstances. Born in Mali in 1976 to a Malian father and a Moroccan mother, he was initially a simple camel herder. His life took an unexpected turn when he helped a lost Frenchman in the desert, who, in gratitude, gifted him a car. Far from succumbing to corruption, he sold the car and sent the money back to its owner, establishing a relationship of trust. The Frenchman then introduced him to a network importing cars from Europe.

Taking advantage of the growing instability in the Sahel region and his perfect knowledge of the desert, Hadj Ben Ibrahim quickly shifted to drug trafficking. He gradually established a drug trafficking network, initially focused on Moroccan cannabis, before diversifying into Latin American cocaine. His activities allowed him to accumulate immense wealth, lead a luxurious life, and associate with dignitaries in Morocco and other countries, even in Latin America, where he married the daughter of a Bolivian general.

An Affair Shaking Morocco

In Morocco, this case has sparked significant public interest, highlighting the deep-seated ramifications of drug trafficking within Moroccan institutions and revealing the transition from hashish trafficking to hard drugs. Morocco, once famous for its hashish, must now confront a new reality.

The “Pablo Escobar of the Sahara” has unveiled not only the intricacies of drug trafficking in Morocco but also the complicity of high-ranking individuals in this illicit trade. The case questions the stability and integrity of the country’s institutions and raises concerns about the need for comprehensive reform.

Dzair Tube Media Group 

Dzair Tube has firmly established itself as a prominent player among Algerian digital news sites, offering a diverse and enriching content experience. The platform, available in Arabic, French, and English editions, captures the attention of a wide-ranging audience, amassing over half a million daily clicks.

A testament to its commitment to excellence, Dzair Tube received the prestigious President of the Republic’s Award for Professional Journalist in the Electronic Press category on October 22, 2022. This recognition underscores the platform’s unwavering dedication to upholding the highest standards of journalism.

With a significant online presence, Dzair Tube boasts 350,000 subscribers on YouTube, over five million followers on various Facebook pages, and 450,000 subscribers on Instagram. Its digital channel has become a hub for diverse programming, covering news, sports, entertainment, culture, and religion, catering to a broad spectrum of audience preferences.

Equipped with state-of-the-art studios and advanced technology, Dzair Tube’s digital channel has garnered substantial viewership for its varied programs. Hosting interactive discussions with influential figures across different domains, the platform actively fosters public discourse and engagement. Beyond news coverage, Dzair Tube extends its commitment to the production of marketing documentaries, short TV commercials, and high-viewership programs.

The success of the print edition of Dzair Tube’s sports newspaper, “Dzair Sport,” further highlights the platform’s impact, with over 50,000 daily downloads from the official Dzair Tube website.

Recently honored with the Media Leadership Award from the Minister of Communication, Mohamed Laâgab, Dzair Tube continues to shape the landscape of Algerian digital news, maintaining a position of influence and impact in the media industry.