Moroccan authorities arrest over 100 illegal emigrants

Moroccan authorities arrested on June 12-14 some 125 illegal emigrants who were planning to cross clandestinely to Europe, revealed Thursday the Moroccan Interior ministry.

They included 7 Moroccans and 118 from other nationalities, said the same sources, which pointed out that the arrests took place in various regions.

Thousands of would-be emigrants are arrested every year in Morocco as they endeavour to cross to Europe seeking better opportunities.

The number of illegal emigrants reaching Spain on make-shift boats dropped 18 per cent in 2004, compared to 2003. The decrease is due to the Moroccan-Spanish cooperation in the fight against this phenomenon.

Over 26,000 attempts of illegal migration were foiled in 2004, including 4,989 in southern Morocco. 423 human smuggling networks were dismantled in the same year.