Algeria has announced plans to convert a military barracks in the Tanezrouft desert into a high-security prison for drug traffickers. The Tanezrouft desert lies in the far southwest of Algeria, near the border with Mali. It is known for being one of the most isolated and extreme regions in the Sahara, where summer temperatures can soar above 50°C. This decision was made during a meeting of the High Security Council, which is led by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. According to a presidential statement, the new facility will be used to hold "drug barons and traffickers," though no further details were provided. In addition to the new prison, Algerian authorities have decided to establish a specialized security agency focused on combating drug trafficking. This agency will be modeled after similar organizations in other countries, such as the United States' Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The move reflects growing concerns over the increasing presence of drug trafficking within the country. Algeria, with nearly 46 million people and a vast land border of around 6,400 kilometers, faces challenges in controlling illicit activities across its extensive frontiers. According to data from the National Office for the Fight Against Drugs and Drug Addiction (ONLCDT), Algeria reported over three million drug users in 2024. This figure highlights the scale of the drug problem the country is facing. The government's actions suggest a commitment to addressing this issue through both enhanced law enforcement and targeted infrastructure, such as the new prison in the harsh desert environment. The creation of a specialized anti-drug agency and the transformation of a remote military base into a prison indicate that Algeria is taking a firm stance against drug trafficking. These measures are part of a broader strategy to combat the growing influence of narcotics in the region, which is often linked to transnational organized crime networks. By using the Tanezrouft desert’s isolation as a strategic advantage, the government aims to create a secure and inescapable environment for those convicted of drug-related crimes.