The Moroccan minister of Interior Al Mustapha Sahel indicated that 60% of illegal immigration networks were dismantled in the country between 2003 and 2004. Mr. Sahel pointed out that during this period, Moroccan Authorities were also able to thwart 26,000 illegal attempts to cross the border to south Europe.
<i>Biladi.Net</i> reports that, according to the minister, during the first quarter of 2005, the number of illegal immigrants crossing to Spain was reduced by 20% and that the number of illegal immigrants specifically trying to cross to Europe through the Canary Islands was reduced by 41%".