Moroccan politician denies role in Sahara drug network

Former Wydad Casablanca football club president and politician Said Naciri denied involvement in a major drug trafficking network during a court appearance in Casablanca Friday, AFP reports. He is accused by convicted drug baron Ahmed Ben Brahim—dubbed the “Pablo Escobar of the Sahara”—of accepting nearly $850,000 to facilitate two cannabis smuggling operations.

Naciri, also a former Casablanca prefecture official and member of Morocco’s ruling coalition, is on trial alongside Abdennabi Bioui, another senior politician. Both face charges including drug trafficking, corruption, and forgery in a case involving 25 defendants.

This marks the first time Moroccan politicians have been tried for drug-related offenses. Naciri also defended the unexplained €8.6 million in his personal accounts as club-related donations and business earnings.

The case, which has shaken Morocco’s political elite, resumes May 30 and highlights growing scrutiny over ties between politics and organized crime.