Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has warned that the country is facing an “undeclared war” waged by external forces using drugs to destabilize its youth and erode social values. 

Speaking at a Council of Ministers meeting on Sunday, Tebboune emphasized the urgent need for a comprehensive national strategy to combat the growing drug crisis.

The president pointed to Algeria’s western and southern borders as key entry points for illicit substances, blaming “evil forces” for attempting to weaken Algerian society. In response, he called for a multi-faceted approach that includes awareness campaigns, strict monitoring, and rehabilitation efforts, alongside severe legal penalties for both drug traffickers and users, particularly those involved in hard drugs.

Tebboune stressed that the drug epidemic is not merely a social issue but a matter of national security, requiring immediate legislative action. He ordered an in-depth review of the national drug prevention strategy and the relevant legal framework to ensure an effective response.

The Algerian government has been ramping up its anti-drug efforts in recent years, with authorities reporting increased seizures and arrests related to narcotics trafficking. However, with the president now framing the crisis as an external attack on Algeria’s youth, the fight against drugs is set to become an even higher priority on the national agenda.