This article was automatically translated from HIBAPRESS, the Arabic version:
Heba Press – Abdul Latif Baraka
The city of Agadir has recently experienced an upsurge in the phenomenon of distribution of contraband alcoholic beverages in many nightclubs and some restaurants that operate in the field of beverage and food service, particularly in the run-up to the New Year celebrations. This phenomenon is not limited to certain places, but has spread illegally, causing social and security concerns. One of the most important problems related to this situation is that many of these drinks come from unofficial sources and are not subject to health or customs controls, which threatens the security of citizens.
The phenomenon and the reasons for its exacerbation
The supply of contraband alcoholic beverages to Agadir constitutes a major challenge for local authorities, and this increase is due to several reasons, the most important of which are:
High demand for alcohol: The demand for alcoholic beverages has increased in certain youth circles, given the lack of stores approved for the public sale of alcohol in certain localities, notably in the neighboring towns of Agadir.
Weak control: Despite the existence of strict laws in this area, weak control by local authorities and customs has led to the exploitation of loopholes by some traders. Indeed, we no longer hear campaigns in the city of Agadir as was the case before, which is no longer the case. lead to the seizure of significant quantities of this substance.
Ease of Obtaining Smuggled Drinks: Alcohol is smuggled in from nearby areas or through illegal routes, making it easy for stores to obtain it at low prices compared to legal drinks.
Risks associated with serving moonshine
The supply of contraband alcoholic beverages poses several risks to public health and social security, the most significant of which are:
Health damage: Smuggled alcoholic beverages may contain toxic substances or be unfit for human consumption, threatening the health of people who consume them.
Promotion of crime: The spread of this type of activity contributes to the increase in criminal activities linked to smuggling and illegal practices in the region.
Harmful to public order: The consumption of alcohol in unapproved places can lead to security breaches and increase the number of scenes of violence and riots in public places.
The need for action by customs and security services
To effectively combat this phenomenon, customs and security services must strengthen their inspection campaigns in stores serving alcoholic beverages and strive to monitor every commercial activity associated with the distribution of these products. In this context, several important measures can be taken:
Strengthen inspection of stores: Customs and security services should intensify monitoring of stores that promote alcoholic beverages and ensure that all products offered for sale comply with legal specifications.
Impose dissuasive penalties: Strict penalties should be imposed on shops that break the laws, whether it be smuggling or serving drinks without a license.
Cooperation between different authorities: Security agencies and customs should cooperate with local and municipal authorities to launch awareness campaigns and periodic inspections to reduce this phenomenon.
Community awareness: In addition to security monitoring, it is important to conduct awareness campaigns among citizens on the dangers of consuming contraband alcoholic beverages and their harm to health and society.
The phenomenon of distribution of contraband alcoholic beverages in the city of Agadir constitutes a real threat to the health of individuals and the security of society. Therefore, security and customs authorities must take strict measures to combat these illegal activities. Through serious coordination between different security agencies, increasing the level of surveillance and imposing severe penalties on violators, this phenomenon can be reduced and the security of citizens can be guaranteed and protected against risks to health and safety. security associated with alcohol smuggling.
