Morocco assists U.S. in dismantling international arms trafficking network

The United States Department of Justice has highlighted the role of Moroccan security services in dismantling an international arms trafficking network. The network was allegedly planning to supply military-grade weapons to the Mexican-based Jalisco New Generation Cartel, which the U.S. has designated as a terrorist organization.

According to U.S. prosecutors, the scheme involved individuals from Bulgaria, Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. The proposed arms list, valued at approximately 53.7 million euros (roughly 58 million USD), included automatic machine guns, rocket launchers, grenades, sniper rifles, and anti-aircraft systems. The group reportedly used deceptive documentation to hide the true destination of the shipments.

Moroccan authorities, specifically the Directorate General of National Security (DGSN) and the Directorate General of Territorial Surveillance (DGST) under the leadership of Abdellatif Hammouchi, were identified as key partners in the international investigation. This cooperation included the arrest of Kenyan national Elijah Odhiambo Asomo in Casablanca, who was subsequently extradited to the United States. Other suspects have faced legal proceedings in the U.S. regarding charges of conspiracy to distribute cocaine and providing material support to a terrorist organization.