Algerian Connection: Spain seizes a 322-Kg cocaine shipment en route to Oran

Spanish authorities have seized lately 322 kg of cocaine at Algeciras Port (Cadiz). The cocaine, worth several million US dollars, was concealed in a container coming from Brazil and heading to Oran, Algeria.

The new seizure confirms international intelligence reports saying that Algeria has become a gateway for South American drug cartels seeking access to the European market as the country remains under the grip of powerful and corrupt military junta.

This is not the first time European customs and Police intercept huge cocaine shipments en route to Algeria. Few years ago, nearly half a ton of cocaine was intercepted on container ship transporting frozen meat from Brazil to Oran.

The container ship was ordered by Dounia Meat, Algeria’s largest importer of frozen meat, owned by businessman Kamel Chikhi – nicknamed El Bouchi (The Butcher) – and his brothers. Chikhi and three other members of the company were arrested.

The Cocaine-gate led to the dismissal of high-ranking officials including former national security director General-Major Abdelghani Hamel and other top brass.