2024-04-30 18:15:42
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime revealed the paths of cocaine, tramadol and marijuana seized in the region to Libya, infiltrating the land borders with Niger and Chad on their way to their European destination.
A report entitled “Drug Trafficking in the Sahel: Transnational Organized Crime – Threat Assessment,” issued by the organization, stated that, based on data received from the Sahel countries, the cannabis trafficked in the region generally comes from Morocco at the forefront, as it was reported It reported an increase in production, reaching about 901 tons in 2022. It is generally headed to the countries of western, southern and northern Europe.
From Morocco to these countries
According to the report, cannabis is transported mainly by land from Morocco to Mauritania, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Chad, then to Algeria, Libya, and Egypt. There is also an alternative sea route that extends from Morocco to the gates of the Gulf of Guinea.
Data on seizures made in or destined for Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger indicate that cocaine continues to be smuggled via land routes across the Sahel borders towards Algeria and Libya on its way to final destination markets, mostly in Europe.
UN data dating back to January 2022 says that 215 kg of cocaine was seized in the official car of the mayor of Vachi, the remote town northeast of Agadez, Niger, on its way from Mali to Libya.
It is clear from international investigative work that West Africa is located in the heart of new cocaine circles. “Its geographical location makes it a natural stopping point for this powerful drug, which is produced in South America on its way to Europe, the largest market for cocaine consumption after North America.”
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime confirms that cocaine, cannabis resin and pharmaceutical opiates are the most widespread in the region, and herbal cannabis, in terms of quantity, is the most common psychoactive substance in the Sahel region.
Competition over drug smuggling routes in the Sahel region and the interception of drug convoys by rival armed groups led to violent clashes and acts of revenge, leading to many deaths and injuries among these groups, which perpetuated the cycle of violence.
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2024-04-30 18:15:42