Five Moroccan judges and several police officers are being brought before the Special Court of Justice in Rabat under corruption and drug trafficking allegations. The defendants are being accused accepting bribes for protecting drug lord Mounir Erramach from the law as he smuggled hashish into Europe.
According to Justice Minister Mohamed Bouzoubaa the five judges and police officers are among some 50 people facing prosecution in the major drug-trafficking case in Tetouan, northern Morocco. Drug money has apparently influenced the results of elections in the region, reported Reuters.
Following the suicide bombings in Casablanca this past May, the Moroccan government has stepped up efforts to control the Tetouan region, known for its links to drugs and smuggling. — (menareport.com)
© 2003 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
