International Narcotics Control Strategy Report -- Part I: Drug and Chemical Control

Morocco
March 2004 

Morocco continues to be a major producer and exporter of cannabis. Morocco produced an estimated 47,400 metric tons of cannabis in 2003, providing for potential cannabis resin (hashish) production of 3,080 metric tons. Evidence continues to indicate the United States is not a major recipient of drugs from Morocco. In the first-ever comprehensive survey of Moroccan narcotics production, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), in conjunction with the GOM's Agency for the Promotion and the Economic and Social Development of the Northern Prefectures and Provinces of the Kingdom, estimated that 134,000 hectares of land were used to cultivate cannabis in 2003, greatly surpassing the government of Morocco (GOM) earlier estimates of a growing area covering a total of 15,000-20,000 hectares. The UN Office of Drugs and Crime (UNODC) study also states that approximately 800,000 Moroccans (2.7 percent of the country's estimated 2003 population) were involved in the cultivation of cannabis. Morocco effectively tolerates cannabis cultivation for want of any short-term economic alternative for those involved in its production. A major crackdown on narcotics in northern Morocco during the summer led to the arrest of a number of high-ranking regional officials. Morocco is a party to the 1988 UN Drug Convention.

Morocco consistently ranks among the world's largest producers and exporters of cannabis, and its cultivation and sale provide the economic base for much of northern Morocco. Only very small amounts of narcotics produced in or transiting through Morocco reach the United States. According to the UNODC report, the illicit trade in cannabis resin generates approximately $12 billion a year, and the trade remains Morocco's primary source of hard currency.

Independent estimates indicate that the returns from cannabis cultivation range from $16,400- $29,800 per hectare, compared with an average of $1,000 per hectare for one possible alternative, corn. According to EU law enforcement officials, Moroccan cannabis is typically processed into cannabis resin or oil and exported to Europe, Algeria, and Tunisia. To date, Morocco has no enterprises that use dual-use precursor chemicals, and is thus neither a source nor transit point for them.

While there has been a small but growing domestic market for harder drugs such as heroin and cocaine, cannabis remains the traditional drug of choice for Moroccans. There is no substantial evidence of trafficking in harder drugs.

Policy Initiatives. The GOM's partnership with the UNODC in conducting the 2003 cannabis survey reflects the GOM's most significant effort to date to compile accurate data about narcotics production, possibly reflecting a desire to more earnestly address narcotics production in northern Morocco. Throughout the 1980's, the GOM worked in conjunction with the United Nations to find a response to the unique geographic, cultural and economic circumstances that confront the many people involved in the cultivation of cannabis in northern Morocco. Joint projects to provide alternative agricultural products included providing goats for dairy farming, apple trees, and small bee-keeping projects. This effort also included paved roads, modern irrigation networks, and health and veterinary clinics.

Morocco has legislation providing the maximum allowable prison sentence for drug offenses to 30 years, as well as fines for narcotics violations in a range of $20,000-$80,000. Ten years imprisonment remains the typical sentence for major drug traffickers arrested in Morocco.

Law Enforcement Efforts. As part of a 1992 counter narcotics initiative launched by the late King Hassan, an estimated 10,000 police were detailed to drug interdiction efforts in the North and Rif mountains in 1995. Since then, approximately every six months, the GOM has rotated personnel into this region and continued to maintain narcotics checkpoints. Moroccan forces also staff observation posts along the Mediterranean coast, and the Moroccan Navy carries out routine sea patrols and responds to summons for a reaction force by the observation posts.

None of these efforts, however, have changed the underlying reality of extensive cannabis cultivation and trafficking in northern Morocco. Indeed, cannabis cultivation continues to expand throughout the Northern Rif region.

Corruption. It is unlikely that the extensive cannabis production in Morocco could be undertaken without the involvement of at least some government and law enforcement officials. In August, a GOM investigation resulted in the arrest of numerous government, judicial, and law enforcement officials in northern Morocco linked to narcotics-related corruption, as well as the detention of a major drug baron. Trials of those arrested were underway during the latter part of the year.

Agreements and Treaties. A bilateral mutual legal assistance treaty (MLAT) has been in force between Morocco and the United States since 1993. Morocco is a party to the 1988 UN Drug Convention, the 1971 UN Convention on Psychotropic Substances and the 1961 UN Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, and ratified the 1972 Protocol amending the Single Convention in March 2002. Morocco is a party to the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime.

Cultivation/Production. The center of cannabis production continues to be the province of Chefchaouen, although production has expanded in the last 20 years north to the outskirts of Tangiers. Small farmers in the Northern Rif region cultivate most cannabis, where an estimated 10 percent of arable land is dedicated to its cultivation. Production is also carried out on a smaller scale in the Souss valley of the South. The UNODC survey found that 75 percent of villages and 96,600 farms in the Rif region cultivate cannabis, representing 6.5 percent of all farms in Morocco. The GOM has stated its commitment to the total eradication of cannabis production, but given the economic dependence on cannabis in Morocco's northern region, eradication is only feasible if accompanied by a highly subsidized crop substitution program. The amount of cannabis production measured in 2003 suggests that the crop's cultivation has seen a steady increase over the past few years, to the detriment of other agricultural activities. The UNODC report warned that this agricultural mono-culture represents an extreme danger to the ecosystem, as the extensive use of fertilizers and forest removal continue to be the methods of choice to make room for cannabis cultivation.

Drug Flow/Transit. The primary ports of export for Moroccan cannabis are Oued Lalou, Martil and Bou Ahmed on the Mediterranean coast. Most large shipments headed toward Spain travel via fishing vessels and yachts. Smaller shipments have also been confiscated on small local “zodiac rafts.” Smugglers also continue to ship cannabis via truck and car through the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla, crossing the Straits of Gibraltar by ferry. According to the UNODC, Spain continues to have the world's largest seizures of cannabis resin (57 percent of global seizures and 75 percent of European seizures). Given the proximity of Morocco, and its known role in cannabis production, its seems likely that Spain is a massive transfer point for Moroccan cannabis resin. Indications that cannabis was even being exported by helicopter emerged from investigations following a helicopter crash in the Rif region in 2002. In 2001, Moroccan authorities seized 61.35 metric tons of cannabis resin, the world's third largest figure; data on later seizures have not yet been published.

Domestic Programs (Demand Reduction). The GOM does not acknowledge a significant hard drug addiction problem and does not actively promote reduction in domestic demand for cannabis. It has established a program to train the staffs of psychiatric hospitals in the treatment of drug addiction.

Policy Initiatives. U.S. policy goals in Morocco are designed to provide training in law enforcement techniques and to promote the GOM's adherence to its obligations under relevant bilateral and international agreements. U.S.-supported efforts to strengthen money-laundering laws and efforts against terrorist financing may also contribute to the GOM's ability to monitor the flow of money from the cannabis trade.

The Road Ahead. The United States will continue to monitor the narcotics situation in Morocco, cooperate with the GOM in its counter narcotics efforts, and, together with the EU, provide law enforcement training, intelligence, and other support where possible.