In a sweeping anti-drug operation on the Karone Islands in the Casamance region, Senegalese authorities have destroyed 225 hectares of cannabis fields and confiscated over 3.7 tonnes of marijuana.
The operation, spanning five islands and lasting a full week, marks a significant blow to drug trafficking networks in the region.
From June 14 to 20, the joint effort brought together the army, gendarmerie, and customs officers targeting key cultivation sites on Hilol, Kouba, Salé Ndiaye, Itouta, and Kaïlo islands.
The cleared area, equivalent to more than 320 football pitches, underscores the scale of illicit cannabis farming in this remote part of Senegal.
During the raid, security forces arrested 12 suspects, including four nationals from Guinea.
Authorities conducted extensive screenings of hundreds of individuals, as well as vehicles and motorcycles, tightening the net around trafficking operations.
The seized marijuana was packed into 453 bags, with an estimated street value of around 373 million CFA francs. These were formally handed over to Interior Minister Jean Baptiste Tine in a ceremony held earlier today in Ziguinchor.
The operation also resulted in the collection of 409,000 CFA francs in fines.
Minister Tine hailed the operation as a “major success” in the government’s ongoing battle against drug production and trafficking. He emphasized the importance of such coordinated efforts in restoring security and disrupting criminal networks in Casamance, a region historically challenged by both conflict and illicit economies.
The Karone Islands have long been suspected hubs for cannabis cultivation, exploiting their isolated geography to evade law enforcement.
This recent crackdown demonstrates Senegal’s renewed commitment to combating narcotics and protecting its borders.
As the government steps up enforcement, officials warn that continued vigilance and community cooperation will be essential to dismantle entrenched trafficking routes and promote sustainable development in the region.
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