As part of the fight against organised crime and through the efficient exploitation of intelligence, a detachment of the National Gendarmerie surrounded a property in the village of Slam, located in the border commune of Bab-El-Assa, Tlemcen Province, within the 2nd Military Region, on 27 March 2025. The operation, conducted with precision, targeted the residence of a drug baron. The individual in question, known as "MALOU Imam", was wanted by the judiciary and subject to multiple arrest warrants in connection with various cases. Alongside his brother, he was present in the property when the raid took place. Upon the arrival of the gendarmerie personnel, he opened fire, wounding an officer, who was immediately transferred to Maghnia Hospital for initial treatment before being evacuated to the Military University Hospital of Oran in the 2nd Military Region.


      Following the confrontation, the drug baron attempted to flee in a Renault 25 vehicle with two accomplices. The National Gendarmerie detachment intervened, firing upon the vehicle and eliminating the two criminals inside who were attempting to facilitate his escape. The deceased were identified as "GHATTASSE Mohamed" and "NEMRAOUI Mohamed", while the baron himself managed to flee. Subsequently, after storming the property, the gendarmes arrested the baron’s brother, "MALOU Ilyes", who sustained minor injuries. The operation led to the seizure of:

      One (01) Star-type automatic pistol

      One (01) utility vehicle

      Fourteen (14) mobile phones

      A banknote-counting machine

      Various other items



      This successful operation once again demonstrates the professionalism, vigilance, and constant readiness of our Armed Forces deployed along our borders in their fight against all forms of organised crime—particularly during this sacred month of Ramadan.