Mali’s ongoing battle against drug trafficking saw a significant victory this week with a large-scale operation in the Dabanani neighborhood of Bamako, a known hotspot for illicit trade. The Malian National Police Narcotics Brigade led the operation on Wednesday, resulting in the arrest of 11 individuals suspected of being involved in drug trafficking.
Authorities were able to seize a substantial quantity of illegal substances, including cannabis, Tramaking (a drug commonly trafficked in the region), and multiple packs of hashish. Additionally, law enforcement officials uncovered counterfeit currency valued at 2,035,000 FCFA, along with 1,750,000 FCFA suspected to be proceeds from drug sales.
The operation also led to the seizure of a revolver, a large batch of unauthorized pharmaceutical products, and various items indicative of the scale of the illegal trade, including four mobile phones, three sewing machines, and 21 motorcycles.
This operation, which was sanctioned by the General Directorate of Police, was executed in collaboration with a number of specialized units, including the National Gendarmerie, the National Guard, and Civil Protection.
According to Chief Police Inspector Daouda Diarra, the Deputy Regional Director of the Bamako Police, this strategic intervention was part of a broader effort to dismantle the drug trafficking networks operating within Mali’s capital. The authorities have emphasized their commitment to combatting the rising tide of illicit drugs and associated criminal activities in the region.
The successful bust comes amid growing concerns over Mali’s role as a transit point for drug trafficking, with narcotics frequently crossing the Sahel region. Despite the challenges posed by the ongoing conflict and instability in some areas, Malian authorities continue to demonstrate resilience in their efforts to curb organized crime.
The government’s stance against drug trafficking is supported by international partners, including the United Nations and the European Union, who have pledged assistance to Mali in strengthening its law enforcement and border control systems.
Mali’s authorities have vowed to continue their crackdown on illegal trafficking in all its forms and ensure that those responsible for such activities face justice.
