Senegalese customs authorities have seized 970.6 kilogrammes of cocaine in a major operation targeting international drug trafficking networks, dealing a significant blow to organised crime groups operating across the region.
The seizure was carried out on Monday by the Koumpentoum Mobile Customs Brigade along the Koumpentoum-Koungheul road, near Ida Mouride, customs officials said.
The drugs were discovered hidden inside a truck travelling from a neighbouring country as part of efforts to combat transnational organised crime.
According to Senegal’s customs administration, officers found 844 slabs of cocaine concealed in a specially built hidden compartment inside the vehicle.
The traffickers had attempted to disguise the shipment by loading the truck with a large quantity of “Madd”, a popular sour tropical fruit, in what appeared to be an effort to avoid detection.
More Read
However, the concealment method failed after customs officers, acting on intelligence received beforehand, stopped and searched the truck while it was parked about 200 metres from the main road.
Laboratory tests conducted by Senegal’s National Laboratory of Technical and Scientific Police confirmed that the substance seized was pure cocaine.
Authorities estimated the value of the seized shipment at more than 58.2 billion CFA francs, equivalent to approximately US$103 million.
More Read
Senegalese authorities have launched an investigation aimed at tracing the supply chain behind the consignment and identifying individuals and networks involved in the trafficking operation.
The seizure highlights ongoing efforts by Senegal to strengthen its role in fighting the growing threat of international drug trafficking, particularly as West Africa remains a major transit region for narcotics moving between Latin America, Europe and other markets.
The operation comes weeks after a tour of the Southeast Customs region by Director General of Customs Babacar Mbaye, who called for stronger measures against security threats, including organised crime and illegal trafficking.
During the visit, Mbaye announced plans to increase personnel and operational resources to improve surveillance and enforcement capabilities.
Customs authorities said the latest interception demonstrates the importance of intelligence-led operations and cooperation between security agencies in tackling sophisticated trafficking networks.
They added that traffickers are increasingly using creative methods to hide illegal shipments, requiring continuous improvement in monitoring, technology and field operations.
More Read
Senegal’s customs administration has reaffirmed its commitment to combating illicit trade in all forms and urged the public, transport operators and businesses to support efforts against organised crime.
Officials said cooperation from communities and legitimate commercial actors remains essential in identifying suspicious activities and preventing criminal networks from exploiting transport routes.
The nearly one-tonne cocaine seizure ranks among the country’s significant recent drug interceptions and underscores the scale of the challenge facing authorities in West Africa.
As regional governments intensify their fight against narcotics trafficking, Senegal says it will continue strengthening border controls and intelligence gathering to disrupt criminal organisations involved in the movement of illegal drugs.
