Up to 10 years in prison for drug trafficking network, including policemen and gendarmes

The Rabat-Court of Appeal on Wednesday issued prison sentences ranging from 1 to 10 years against members of a drug trafficking network, including policemen and gendarmes.

The network leader, Fatiha Hammoud, nicknamed "Jeblia," was sentenced to 10 years in prison and to fines totaling more than MAD 12 million (nearly $ 1.5 million). The court also ordered the seizure of all her assets and bank accounts.

Abdelaziz Belahcen, alias "Eddab," also considered as a drug lord got 8 years in prison and was fined to more than MAD 10 million. He is already serving a 10 year prison term for another drug trafficking case.

The court also condemned 25 policemen and 7 gendarmes to one year in prison for corruption. Fatiha Hamoud, 40, was arrested last august in Casablanca after a nationwide manhunt.