Algeria's Gendarmerie uses chemical analysis to fight drug smuggling

Command of the National Gendarmerie is expected to use chemical analysis of drugs to know which source they come from their source, where they are produced and laboratories where they are wrapped.According to First Lieutenant Ahmed Aidat, an officer in communication cell at the National Gendarmerie command, many measures have been taken to fight drug smuggling including a chemical analysis laboratory to work on seized drugs and determine its original ingredients.

“Each drug has its own specificities and certain aspects,” he said.

 He added that counter drug smuggling plan is based on the reactivation of scientific police cells’ work, research brigades and all regional units.

Tightened surveillance on roads pushed smugglers to deal with drugs across the sea. “The National Gendarmerie forcesin 7 coasty provinces seized 271, 63 kg of drugs and handled 12 cases in the first three months of the current year.

According to the same source, tightened control on northwestern borders pushed drug smuggling networks to turn to southern borders which are known for their hard relief. That explains the seizure of 4, 32 tons of drugs in Bechar province (south of Algiers).

A total of 1,328 suspects including 16 women were arrested in drug smuggling cases during 2008’s first trimester. Bechar is on the top of the list as 4,040 kg of drugs were seized there compared to 320 kg seized in Tlemcen (west of Algiers) and Adrar province (south of Algiers).

 Asked on the background of those terrible figures, the First Lieutenant said they reflected the work of the gendarmerie in the fight against that hazardous phenomenon for health and economy especially national safety.