38 tons of cannabis seized in Algeria in 2008

Over thirty-eight tons of cannabis were seized in Algeria in 2008 against four tonnes in 2007, announced Saturday the National Office for fight against drugs and addiction (ONLDT).

•     "In total 38,037.297 kilograms of cannabis resin and 924,398 tablets of psychotropic substances were seized in 2008," said Director General of ONLDT Abdelmalek Sayeh, citing the results of the fight against drugs, according to APS agency.
  
      This shows the tremendous efforts made by the State in the fight against this scourge of drug trafficking, he said.
  
      In 2008, the Algerian services of fight against drug trafficking have seized 716,418 grams of cocaine, 67 grams of crack cocaine, 109.57 grams of heroin and 15.0223 kg of opium poppy and 77,612 plants of opium, Mr. Sayeh added.
  
      In addition, 10,954 people including 121 foreigners were arrested in 2008 in cases involving drug trafficking, Sayeh said.
  
      "Of the 10,954 individuals arrested, there are 3003 including traffickers, 7046 users of cannabis resin and opium, 485 traffickers and 298 users of psychotropic substances, and 69 growers of cannabis and opium," he said.
  
      Mr. Sayeh said that 305 people involved in drug trafficking are fugitives and are wanted.
  
      Algeria, which was a transit country for drugs, has now become a country of "fixation" for drug traffickers, according to the Algerian gendarmerie.
  
      Nearly 5 tons of cannabis resin have been intercepted since the beginning of 2009 in Algeria, according to official figures.
  
  Ennaharonline/ M. O.