Swedish Man Extradited from Morocco and Detained for 'Black Cocaine' Drug Offenses

A 39-year-old Swedish man was extradited from Morocco and arrested in Sweden on suspicion of serious drug offenses, specifically linked to operating a cocaine production facility in Hallstavik. Authorities accuse him of producing nearly 40 kilograms of a substance called 'black cocaine,' which was in the process of purification at the site.

The suspect had been internationally wanted since April 2023. Although first arrested in Morocco in March 2023, he was not immediately detained due to insufficient probable cause until further investigation prompted his extradition. He arrived in Sweden at Arlanda airport on Wednesday evening and was detained after a court hearing at the Norrtälje District Court.

Prosecutor Sharareh Ghavam Nejad noted the ongoing investigation is extensive, and while there is a deadline of December 19 to file charges, it may be extended to allow continued interviews and evidence gathering.

This extradition follows recent diplomatic cooperation between Sweden and Morocco. Last week, representatives from both countries met in Rabat to sign a declaration of intent aimed at strengthening collaboration against organized crime and cross-border offenses. This agreement aligns with efforts to address the influence of more than 800 individuals reportedly involved in serious crime in Sweden from abroad.

Additionally, Swedish Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer visited Morocco shortly before this extradition and was instrumental in the signing of the cooperation agreement. The man's arrest in Sweden reflects the practical outcomes of enhanced bilateral law enforcement coordination.

This case is part of a wider trend of international extraditions targeting serious criminals impacting Swedish security; notably, a Swedish citizen was recently extradited from Mexico on charges of attempted murder and serious weapons offenses. The ongoing investigations highlight Sweden's intensified focus on dismantling drug trafficking and organized crime networks operating across borders.