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Morocco Confronts Growing Drug Abuse Epidemic

Reports are emerging of an alarming surge in the consumption of ecstasy, crystal methamphetamine, and Karkoubi, a potent cocktail of synthetic drugs, solvents, and benzodiazepines, among Moroccan youth.

The Rise of Karkoubi

Karkoubi, which is often sold in individual pills or “belts” of 7-10 pills, has become increasingly popular due to its widespread availability and extremely low price. This has made it accessible to lower-income and middle-class users, exacerbating the country’s growing drug abuse problem.

Cyber Threats and Financial Crimes

According to officials, the rise in cyber threats is also a pressing concern for Morocco. In 2021, authorities detected and neutralized hundreds of cybersecurity threats aimed at government ministries and public institutions. Despite these attacks, no significant damage or losses were reported.

Meanwhile, financial crimes such as tax evasion and fiscal fraud continue to plague the country, resulting in the loss of millions of Moroccan dirhams and billions of dollars in foreign currency. The authorities have identified various types of fraud, including skimming, card data misuse, and hacking of automated systems.

Criminal Networks Thrive

Morocco is home to several criminal networks involved in drug trafficking, human smuggling, human trafficking, corruption, counterfeiting, and cyber-dependent crimes. These groups often have ties with high-ranking officials and politicians, making it challenging for the authorities to tackle their activities effectively.

The country’s judiciary has been criticized for its lack of independence, with courts frequently used to target opposition voices. Prisons are overcrowded, and prisoners are subjected to human rights abuses.

Economic and Financial Challenges

Morocco’s anti-money laundering legislation has been criticized for failing to keep pace with international norms. The country was greylisted by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) in 2021 due to its lack of alignment with international measures against money laundering and terrorist financing. However, Morocco was removed from the list in 2023 following improvements in its anti-money laundering processes.

Despite significant economic progress over the past three decades, Morocco still faces challenges related to the informal economy, high unemployment rates, inflationary pressures, and social disparities.

The government has implemented various measures to address drug addiction, including drug treatment and rehabilitation centers. However, crime prevention activities are limited in practice, and the legal framework for victim protection is inadequately implemented.

Freedom of speech remains restricted in Morocco, with journalists and civil rights activists facing harassment and imprisonment for expressing their opinions. Despite the adoption of a press law, authorities continue to use criminal law to prosecute and imprison defendants.

Conclusion

As the country grapples with these complex challenges, it is clear that a comprehensive approach is needed to address the root causes of drug abuse, corruption, and economic instability.