The Algerian police arrested 11 individuals in western Algeria on suspicions of operating a human smuggling network, attempting to transport people across the Mediterranean Sea to Europe in exchange for money.
This comes as the Algerian Ministry of Defense reported rescuing 731 irregular migrants who were on the verge of drowning between October 11th and 17th.
The suspects were apprehended in the city of Mostaganem, located about 300 kilometers west of the capital, Algiers, along the Mediterranean coast.
The arrest followed investigations led by local police into suspicious activities, with some individuals organizing trips to the Spanish coasts using traditional boats.
Based on a prosecutor’s request, police raids were executed on some of their residences, leading to the seizure of life vests and fuel quantities, believed to be used for the smuggling operations.
The apprehended individuals have been presented to the prosecution and subsequently handed over to an investigative judge.
They have been detained on charges of “human trafficking” and “endangering the lives of others by organizing secret sea voyages.” Convictions on these charges can carry hefty penalties, including prison sentences of up to 10 years.
Earlier this month, on October 12th, the National Gendarmerie of the city reported thwarting three illegal sea migration attempts and arresting 19 individuals, including irregular migrants and suspects believed to be arranging journeys on what the media often dubs “death boats.”
The Defense Ministry also highlighted that their Coast Guard intercepted several unauthorized migration attempts this month.
Besides the 731 individuals saved from makeshift boats, another 407 irregular migrants of various nationalities were arrested in different regions across the country.
Recent reports from the Ministry of the Interior about clandestine migration indicate that migrants entering Algeria hail from 44 different African countries, with a noticeable number coming from Niger due to its geographical proximity.
Algeria attributes the high influx of migrants from Sahel countries primarily to internal conflicts within these nations.
Responding to criticisms from human rights organizations, Algeria has assured that it provides all necessary amenities for these migrants during deportation processes.
This includes suitable living conditions in shelter centers, food, transportation, medical care, vaccination, essential supplies, and clothing for children.
