Moroccan Gendarmerie seize large amounts of potentially explosive chemicals

The Moroccan Gendarmerie has seized large quantities of a dangerous chemical near the small town of Moulay Bousselham, 120 kilometers south of Tangier.

Scientists and senior members of the Royal Moroccan Gendarmerie discovered the chemical product, identified as nitric acid, hidden in a truck, reported Moroccan daily Al Massae Wednesday. The amount of nitric acid seized was enough to manufacture explosives.

The driver of the vehicle claimed that he was carrying “agricultural pesticides” that were produced in Mohammedia (some 60 km south of Rabat) and destined to a strawberry farm, Al Massae said, adding that according to the Royal Gendarmerie, the quantity of nitric acid seized is “often used in the manufacturing of explosives.”

Further investigation revealed that the truck’s license plates were non-compliant and falsified.

The driver also failed to produce proof of authorization for the handling of the chemicals, the daily said, noting that the National Office of the Agricultural Council and the National Office of Food Safety would draft a report on the chemicals.