Algeria repurposes desert barracks into prison for drug leaders
The Higher Security Council in Algeria, headed by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, has decided to convert a military garrison in the Tindouf Desert into a high-security prison designated for drug lords and major smugglers. The prison is located in a remote area deep within the Sahara, in Adrar Province, between Adrar and Tindouf, near the borders with Niger and Mali. This measure aims to incapacitate the ability to manage smuggling networks from inside the prisons by isolating them completely from the outside world, as the area is characterized by harsh environmental conditions and high temperatures that hinder escape attempts. This decision marks a strategic shift in Algeria’s approach to combating drug threats. The issue is now viewed not just as a criminal offense but as a threat to national security, with drug flows—including psychoactive substances like Pregabalin and cocaine—on the rise. These substances pose an increasing danger to society. Record numbers have been recorded, with over 89,000 cases seized in the first five months of 2026 and more than 96,000 suspects arrested, amid intensified security operations against cross-border networks. These measures are complemented by the establishment of a supreme security agency dedicated to drug enforcement, aimed at coordinating efforts more effectively. Algeria faces security and economic challenges due to the increasing flow of drugs and their risks to the population’s demographic structure and public health.
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