These operations were carried out in close coordination with judicial police in Al Hoceima and Imzouren and the General Directorate of Territorial Surveillance (DGST).
The suspects, aged 16 to 45, were arrested in separate security operations in the outskirts of Al Hoceima following thorough investigations into a fire exchange, on April 15, between individuals with alleged ties to international drug trafficking networks, the National Police (DGSN) said in a statement on Thursday.
The investigations revealed that two suspects are directly involved in this incident prompted by the settling of scores between drug gangs, the same source added.
They are also involved in a similar incident reported in the city of Imzouren last February, while the seven other individuals arrested are believed to have participated in these criminal acts and resisted the arrest operations conducted by the Judicial Police.
The searches carried out into the case led to the confiscation of two shotguns and dozens of cartridges of different types, which were allegedly used in the exchange of fire in question, in addition to knives and two cars, one of which was stolen while the other one had falsified license plates and no chassis number.
All suspects have been subjected to judicial investigations under the supervision of the prosecutor's office before appearing before the court at the end of custody.
The field research continues, supported by technical expertise, in order to determine all the circumstances of these criminal acts, the statement concluded.