Seven get temporary release in case of drug lord Erramach

The Special court of Justice agreed Wednesday to the temporary release of seven defendants prosecuted part of the case of drug lord, Mounir Erramach, in which high officials are being sued.

The seven persons include police officers, magistrates and a businessman.

Erramach was arrested after a fight broke out last August between two gangs, dragging with him seventeen other people in Tetuan (northern Morocco) for charges of "criminal association, international drug trafficking, premeditated murder attempt and unauthorized detention of weapons."

Investigations in the case have led also to the arrest of senior police, county police and customs officials, as well as magistrates, court clerks, a local official and businessmen who were accused of "power abuse, corruption, embezzlement of public funds, drug trafficking, non-denunciation and non-respect of professional confidentiality."

Investigations have shown that Erramach has established dubious relations with these people to facilitate his illegal activities.