Suspect arrested in 'Escobar of the Sahara' case

A Moroccan court has ordered the detention of a man identified as "El Taunati" in connection with the high-profile "Escobar of the Sahara" drug trafficking case. The suspect, whose full name is Abdelouahed G., was transferred to the local prison of Ain Sebaa "Okasha" after preliminary investigations by the National Judicial Police Brigade concluded.

Sources indicate that the investigation centers on El Taunati's alleged role in smuggling tons of drugs. His connection to a dinner held at a villa in Rabat, attended by previously convicted figures Saeed Naciri and Abdel Nabil Biyoui, is a key focus. The probe also examines audio recordings suggesting potential "espionage" between the detained suspect and an individual operating an overseas social media channel. These recordings surfaced after a hack by a group of hackers.

Further investigations by the National Brigade, including a technical examination of El Taunati's phone, are expected to reveal more names involved in the drug trafficking operations previously overseen by the suspect. El Taunati was apprehended in Mohammedia after his location was traced through a phone call to his wife. His use of two houses in Mansouria and Meknes to evade authorities was also uncovered through intelligence from the General Directorate of National Security and location tracking technology.

During the initial trial of Saeed Naciri, the former president of Wydad Casablanca, his defense team had requested an examination of the phones of those present at the dinner hosted by singer Latifa Raafat. This was intended to refute accusations that Naciri was present with international drug trafficker Haj Ahmed Ben Ibrahim and that drug deals were made during the gathering.