# France‑Algeria drug trafficking crackdown

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/francealgeria-drug-trafficking-crackdown
> Updated: 2026-08-07T12:27:04.000Z. Sources: 17. Developments: 2.

In late July 2026 Algerian authorities detained Mehdi Laribi, a Franco‑Algerian figure alleged to have founded the DZ Mafia, under a French arrest warrant. He was placed under judicial control rather than detention, reflecting Algeria’s policy of prosecuting its nationals on domestic soil.

Shortly thereafter, on 1 August 2026 Algeria announced a decree offering financial and non‑financial rewards to informants who aid in drug‑related investigations. The same day, police arrested Rachid Djeha, a senior member of the Marseille‑based DZ Mafia and brother of a known network leader. French officials praised the arrests as evidence of a revived security partnership between the two countries.

Together, the arrests and the new incentive scheme illustrate a heightened, coordinated effort by Algeria and France to combat trans‑national narcotics trafficking linked to the DZ Mafia.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-07: Algeria cracks down on drug trafficking with major arrest and informant incentives

Algeria arrested DZ Mafia leader Rachid Djeha and introduced a decree offering rewards for drug‑related informants, boosting anti‑narcotics efforts.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/algeria-cracks-down-on-drug-trafficking-with-major-arrest-and-informant-incentives

### 2026-08-05: Mehdi Laribi arrested in Algeria, boosting France‑Algeria drug‑trafficking cooperation

Algerian police arrested Franco‑Algerian drug‑trafficking boss Mehdi Laribi in late July and later Rachid Djeha in early August, executing French warrants. France’s justice and interior ministers praised the co

14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/melbet-moneylaundering-scheme-uncovered-in-senegal

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Cite as: France‑Algeria drug trafficking crackdown. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/francealgeria-drug-trafficking-crackdown