Karkoubi, a potent psychotropic drug originating from Algeria and Morocco, is increasingly making its presence felt in Europe, causing alarm among health authorities due to its devastating effects on users.
Dubbed the “drug of the poor” due to its affordability, Karkoubi packs a potent punch. Its concoction of alcohol, hashish, and drugs, like Rivotril, predominantly targets the lower-income demographics.
This mind-altering substance often includes anxiolytics and hypnotics, especially benzodiazepines that depress brain activity, leading to severely harmful effects on its consumers.
The drug has been known to reduce users to a zombie-like state, induce aggression, and in extreme cases, even trigger suicidal tendencies.
The origin of Karkoubi traces back to Morocco, where the use of this potent psychotropic drug has led to an alarming increase in dangerous consumer behaviors and incidents associated with its consumption.
The Moroccan government has consistently pointed fingers at Algeria for allegedly spearheading the production of this harmful substance, a claim that the latter has reciprocated.
Today, Karkoubi’s influence is growing in Europe. Already firmly entrenched in Spain, it is making its way into many other European countries.
A significant drug trafficking network was dismantled last year.
It involved transporting medications from Spain to Moroccan factories where Karkoubi was produced, smuggling them back into Spain, or disseminating them on the streets of Casablanca.
After a brief lull following the crackdown, the trafficking of Karkoubi resumed, making it readily available in numerous European cities.
Karkoubi is also prevalent among football fans, impacting the youth and socioeconomically disadvantaged, leading to a resurgence of hooliganism.
Interestingly, the term ‘Karkoubi’ or ‘Karkaba’ has roots in North Africa’s cultural heritage.
Historically, it refers to a traditional dance form practiced among the Berber communities of Morocco and Algeria.
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