Relations between Morocco and Spain are going through an unprecedented period of turbulence. After the Pegasus spyware scandal and heightened tensions over Western Sahara, a new major crisis could permanently reshape ties between Madrid and Rabat.
The discovery by Spanish security services of a tunnel linking Morocco to the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, used for drug trafficking into Europe, has shed light on much deeper connections between the Makhzen (Moroccan regime) and organized crime networks. But beyond drug smuggling, even more explosive revelations from a former high-ranking Moroccan intelligence officer—now in exile in Spain—could send shockwaves through Rabat's leadership.
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A Tunnel Exposing a Well-Oiled System
The discovery of this tunnel, used to transport Moroccan cannabis to Europe, is only the tip of the iceberg. For decades, Morocco has been recognized as the world’s leading producer of cannabis resin, with multiple international reports pointing to direct involvement of the Moroccan authorities in this illegal economy. However, what is truly alarming today is not just the production itself but the existence of an organized structure where Moroccan intelligence services allegedly play a key role in securing and distributing the illicit goods.
According to Spanish security sources, drug trafficking is not merely controlled by independent criminal gangs but also involves key members of Morocco’s Directorate of Territorial Surveillance (DST). These intelligence operatives act as kingpins, overseeing a system where crime and the state are deeply intertwined.
This collusion places Madrid in a diplomatic dilemma:
- Publicly denouncing these actions could spark a full-scale diplomatic crisis with Rabat.
- Turning a blind eye would mean Spain is implicitly condoning Morocco’s role in large-scale criminal operations affecting all of Europe.
Explosive Revelations on State-Sponsored Terrorism
The scandal takes an even darker turn with shocking allegations from a former deputy director of the Moroccan DST, now under Spanish protection. This defector has reportedly provided compromising intelligence to Spanish authorities—information that, if made public, could seriously destabilize the Moroccan regime.
According to multiple sources, these revelations directly implicate Moroccan intelligence services in orchestrating terrorist attacks in Casablanca (2004) and Marrakech (2011).
Contrary to the official narrative, which attributes these attacks to radical Islamist suicide bombers, this ex-intelligence officer claims the attacks were remotely triggered by Morocco’s own DST.
The Alleged Motive?
- Justifying a brutal security crackdown to tighten government control over the population.
- Strengthening Morocco’s relations with Western intelligence services by positioning itself as a key partner in the “War on Terror.”
This theory gains credibility considering the dubious ties between Morocco’s security chief, Abdellatif Hammouchi, and France—a former colonial power that still wields significant influence over the kingdom. Hammouchi has been repeatedly honored by French authorities, raising suspicions of high-level collusion between Moroccan intelligence and Western security agencies.
Panic in Rabat
The defection of a high-ranking Moroccan intelligence officer has triggered an earthquake within the Makhzen. Rabat is now deeply concerned that Madrid could use these revelations as leverage, particularly in the aftermath of the Pegasus spying scandal.
To recall, the Pegasus software enabled Moroccan intelligence to hack the phones of numerous Spanish officials, including Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. Under the threat of blackmail, Sánchez eventually softened Spain’s stance in favor of Morocco on Western Sahara, shocking both the Spanish public and European institutions.
But this time, the situation is different.
Spain now holds a trump card that could counter Morocco’s influence and undermine Rabat’s blackmail tactics. By either making these revelations public or leveraging them diplomatically, Madrid could:
- Restore balance in its relations with Morocco.
- Expose the contradictions of a regime that presents itself as an ally in the fight against terrorism while secretly fostering instability.
Towards a Major Turning Point in Spain-Morocco Relations?
This scandal comes at a time of already fragile diplomatic ties between the two nations. While Madrid and Rabat have been trying to mend their differences after years of disputes, these latest revelations could unravel any attempts at reconciliation.
Possible Scenarios in the Coming Months:
Diplomatic Silence
- Spain might choose not to publicly disclose these findings, using them instead as a bargaining chip in secret negotiations with Morocco over immigration, fishing rights, and Western Sahara.
Gradual Pressure on Rabat
- Madrid could leak select pieces of information to Spanish and European media, forcing Morocco to adopt a more cooperative stance without outright confrontation.
A Full-Blown Diplomatic Crisis
- If Spain fully exposes these allegations, relations between Madrid and Rabat could collapse, leading to severe geopolitical consequences across the Mediterranean.
Conclusion: A Diplomatic Time Bomb
These revelations could mark a historic turning point in Spain-Morocco relations.
For years, Morocco has cultivated an image as a strategic Western ally, but if these accusations are confirmed, its credibility will be severely damaged.
For Spain, the stakes are equally high:
- Maintain diplomatic stability with Morocco at the cost of compromising on ethics and national security?
- Or confront Rabat head-on, exposing the regime’s ties to organized crime and state terrorism, at the risk of a severe diplomatic fallout?
Either way, one thing is clear: Spain is no longer in a position to ignore Morocco’s deep entanglement in illicit networks. Whatever path Madrid chooses, the days of unchecked Moroccan leverage over Spain may be coming to an end.
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