Algeria Delays Trial in Major Drug Smuggling Case

The Court of First Instance in El Harrach, Algeria, has postponed the trial of Kamel Chikhi and other defendants associated with the "Bouchi Scandal" to the next criminal session.

Case Background

This case originates from May 2018, when Algerian authorities confiscated approximately 700 kilograms of cocaine concealed within a shipment of frozen and fresh meat imported from Brazil on the MSC Amalfi vessel at the port of Oran.

Court Session

During today's court session, Kamel Chikhi and his brother Nasser were among the defendants present. The judge initiated the process by calling upon defendants, witnesses, and civil parties.

The defense team, alongside the legal representative of the public treasury, requested a postponement, which the court granted after consideration, scheduling the next session to include all relevant witnesses.

Charges Against the Defendants

The defendants are facing multiple charges, including:

- Importing, exporting, and storing drugs as part of an organized criminal group.

- Money laundering.

This case is notable for its scale and complexity, marking it as one of the most significant instances of organized crime in Algeria, and has generated considerable public interest since its inception in 2018.