The trial of the alleged drug trafficker known as the 'Escobar of the Sahara' reached its conclusion on June 18, 2026, with a final hearing at the Casablanca criminal court. The proceedings, which lasted 25 months and included 81 hearings, are now awaiting the verdict.
The case involves a network accused of smuggling large quantities of cannabis resin from Morocco to Europe. The main defendant, whose identity has been widely reported in Moroccan media, faces charges including drug trafficking, money laundering, and criminal association.
During the final hearing, the defense made its closing arguments, while the prosecution maintained its demand for severe penalties. The court is expected to deliver its verdict on a date yet to be announced.
The trial has drawn significant attention due to the scale of the alleged operations and the nickname 'Escobar of the Sahara,' a reference to the Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar. Authorities have described the network as one of the most sophisticated in the region.
