What’s happening

Moroccan hashish dealers, recognizing the highly-regarded quality of their product in international narcotics markets, have instituted a boycott against Israeli smugglers due to the current conflict in Gaza, according to a revealing report from N12.

Why it matters

This development has brought significant financial losses to the Israeli participants in this illegal trade. As Morocco’s hashish is one of the nation’s most valuable export commodities, equaled only by its tourism and phosphate sectors, such action suggests political convictions are impacting traditional criminal enterprises.

By the numbers

Estimates place the value of the Moroccan hashish trade in the billions annually. Due to the potency and perceived cleanliness of the product, prices can spike to NIS 300,000 per kilogram once it reaches Israeli markets. These figures underline the substantial hit to the bottom lines of involved Israeli smugglers.

The background

Historically, the northern al-Rif region of Morocco is ground zero for cannabis cultivation, eventually processed into the prized hashish. Despite a relatively small proportion making its way to Israel, it fetches extraordinary market values due to its high demand in the Israeli drug market.

The smuggling logistics

This endeavor often roped in various individuals, including reportedly, Israeli Yeshiva students who helped smuggle hashish concealed within luggage or through overland and maritime routes into Europe.

Statements from the ground

An unnamed Israeli smuggler residing in Morocco told N12 about the critical economic role of hashish export before the supply stoppage, saying a boycott has now materialized — “Tens of millions of shekels at least” in losses since it began.

A Moroccan seller from the producing region offered a scathing rebuke in support of the boycott: “Our Palestinian brothers are suffering from hunger and living in inhumane conditions – It is unreasonable to cater to Israeli interests under these circumstances.”

The bottom line

Consequential decisions by Moroccan suppliers send ripples through the narcotic landscape, implicating economics, intra-regional solidarity, and the shadowy interface between business and conflict.

This story was first published on jpost.com.