Blinded by Hatred: Has France’s Interior Minister Retailleau Become an Accomplice to Moroccan Drug Networks While Waging War on Algerian El Mordjene Spread?

✍️ BY: Dr. Hana Saada

While turning a blind eye to the massive influx of Moroccan cannabis into Europe, Bruno Retailleau wages a petty war against Algerian exports—proof of a toxic obsession rooted in colonial resentment and political decay.

 

Algiers, Algeria | May 17th, 2025 —  In a spectacle that would be laughable if it weren’t so disgraceful, French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau has once again revealed the extent of France’s institutional obsession with Algeria—a fixation that appears to be blinding decision-makers to far graver threats. Retailleau, a known hardliner with xenophobic inclinations, has become the face of what many now denounce as a double standard in French law enforcement: one that allows Moroccan drug cartels to operate with astonishing impunity, while cracking down on innocent Algerian food products.

Under the direct supervision of Retailleau’s ministry, Marseille customs recently intercepted a staggering 9.7 tonnes of the popular Algerian chocolate hazelnut spread “El Mordjene.” According to official statements, this “historic” seizure of 15,300 jars—accompanied by 300 cartons of dessert topping and 1,500 boxes of Algerian biscuits—was presented as a triumph of national security. This, while Moroccan cannabis continues to flood French and European streets with virtually no comparable crackdown.

As sarcastically noted by the investigative outlet Afrique.com, “Citizens of France, rest easy tonight. Your customs officials have saved the Republic by intercepting a shipment of chocolate spread.” The irony is thick, as is the underlying tragedy. France, under Emmanuel Macron, appears to have surrendered its political institutions to the dictates of an extreme right-wing clique, driven not by logic or principle, but by a festering colonial hatred for Algeria—the only former colony that resisted French imperialism with arms and won.

Bruno Retailleau embodies this decay. His actions betray both a pathological resentment and a dangerous political agenda. While Algerian goods are targeted in public, Moroccan drug routes—responsible for an estimated €4 billion in annual trafficking revenue—remain largely undisturbed. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) confirms that 70% of the illicit cannabis consumed in Europe originates in Morocco, effortlessly crossing into Spain and spreading across the continent.

Is this negligence or complicity? Critics are increasingly inclined to believe the latter. Sources point to a deeply rooted network of influence and corruption tied to the Moroccan regime, or “Makhzen.” Many French politicians, either through coercion or bribery, appear to be serving Rabat’s interests at the expense of their own citizens’ safety and France’s dignity. Retailleau, with his checkered political past and vitriolic stance toward Algeria, seems to be the perfect pawn—or worse, a willing agent—in this game of regional power manipulation.

This incident is not simply about biscuits and spreads; it is a telling symptom of France’s broader decline. A republic once known for its values of ”justice and liberty” now indulges in petty vendettas while its institutions rot from within. The xenophobic rot has reached the highest levels of the French state, where symbolic seizures replace meaningful action, and colonial ghosts continue to haunt policymaking.

In the end, this obsession with Algeria will not save France from its crisis—it only accelerates the country’s descent into absurdity, impotence, and international embarrassment.

Translated and adapted from: https://lapatrienews.dz/aveugle-par-sa-haine-de-lalgerie-retailleau-complices-des-dealers-marocains/

About Dzair Tube Media Group

Dzair Tube has firmly positioned itself as a leading force in Algerian digital journalism, delivering a rich and diverse array of content. Available in Arabic, French, and English, Dzair Tube captivates a broad audience, drawing over half a million daily clicks.

The platform’s excellence was notably recognized with the prestigious President of the Republic’s Award for Professional Journalist in the Electronic Press category on October 22, 2022. This accolade underscores Dzair Tube’s steadfast commitment to the highest journalistic standards.

Dzair Tube’s substantial online footprint includes 350,000 YouTube subscribers, over six million followers across various Facebook pages, and 450,000 Instagram followers. The digital channel serves as a nexus for a wide range of programming, spanning news, sports, entertainment, culture, and religion, catering to a diverse audience.

Boasting cutting-edge studios and advanced technology, Dzair Tube’s digital channel has attracted a significant viewership with its varied programs. It facilitates interactive discussions with key figures from various sectors, promoting public discourse and engagement. Beyond news, Dzair Tube excels in producing marketing documentaries, short TV commercials, and high-viewership shows.

The print edition of Dzair Tube’s sports newspaper, “Dzair Sport,” further attests to the platform’s influence, with over 50,000 daily downloads from the official Dzair Tube website.

Awarded the Media Leadership Award by the Minister of Communication, Mohamed Laâgab, Dzair Tube continues to shape the Algerian digital media landscape, maintaining its position of influence and impact. Additionally, Dzair Tube’s prominence in Algeria’s media scene was celebrated at the ninth edition of the “Hilals of the Television” competition, solidifying its status as a media leader.

Stay Connected with Dzair Tube