Morocco faces rise in clandestine synthetic drug laboratories

Morocco is experiencing a rise in clandestine drug production, moving beyond cannabis to include synthetic drugs and psychotropic substances. Reports indicate the development of secret laboratories used for processing cocaine and manufacturing dangerous hallucinogens, positioning the country as a hub for production and transit to neighboring regions.

Key developments include the emergence of ‘boufa’, a substance known as ‘the poor man’s cocaine’ made from cocaine residues and chemicals, which has expanded significantly since 2020. Additionally, authorities reported the seizure of over four million psychotropic tablets produced locally over the last three years, with 1.6 million seized in 2025 alone.

International investigations have highlighted the cross-border nature of these networks. In 2022, Spanish police dismantled an international ring involved in trafficking medications used to manufacture ‘karkoubi’ in Morocco, leading to the seizure of hundreds of thousands of psychotropic tablets.