Algerian authorities seized nearly 4 million pregabalin tablets and arrested 13 suspects on May 10 in a major anti-drug operation, according to the Public Prosecutor’s Office at the Sidi M’hamed Court. The bust targeted a transnational trafficking network involved in large-scale psychotropic drug distribution.
The operation was carried out by the Central Service for Combating Illicit Drug Trafficking (SCLTIS), which dismantled a criminal network composed of 20 individuals following an in-depth investigation. Authorities confirmed the seizure of exactly 3,975,450 pregabalin 300 mg tablets, a quantity described as significant and indicative of organized international trafficking.
According to an official statement, the 13 arrested suspects were caught “in the act” and appeared before the prosecutor on Sunday. They were subsequently placed in pretrial detention by an investigating judge. The remaining seven suspects have been identified but are still at large, with efforts ongoing to apprehend them.
The Public Prosecutor’s Office disclosed the identities of the detained individuals under new legal provisions that allow such transparency in drug trafficking cases. The suspects face multiple serious charges, including illegal possession, transport, storage, and importation of psychotropic substances within a criminal group, as well as aggravated smuggling that threatens public health and safety. Additional charges include money laundering, forgery, use of forged documents, and operating non-compliant vehicles, according to official statements.
This case was handled under Article 19 of the Code of Criminal Procedure and Article 34 bis 1 of Law 25-03, which strengthens Algeria’s legal framework against narcotics trafficking. Authorities emphasized that the network operated across borders, highlighting the transnational nature of the drug trade targeting the country.
Algeria has in recent years reported frequent large-scale seizures of psychotropic drugs, many originating from abroad. Trafficking routes often involve the country’s southern borders, with smugglers using various methods—including maritime transport and disguised cargo such as tanker trucks—to move drugs toward northern urban centers for distribution.
The latest operation underscores the continued efforts by Algerian security services to dismantle organized drug networks and curb the growing threat of psychotropic substance trafficking, which authorities say poses a serious risk to public health and national security.
Sami B. is the founder and editor of Algeria News Gate, an independent English-language platform covering Algeria’s political, economic, and business developments. Based in Europe, he reports on official announcements, economic trends, and international relations involving Algeria.