Senegal's Cocaine Trafficking Surge Sparks Concern

• Senegal has become a hub for various illicit substances, including cocaine, cannabis, synthetic drugs, and diverted medications.
• Over 2 tonnes of cocaine were intercepted at Senegalese ports between March and November 2024.
• The use of West African routes to smuggle cocaine into Europe is expected to increase, with over a third of European cocaine consumption passing through these routes currently.
• Intermediaries in Senegal often sell part of the merchandise on the local market to compensate for their services.

Le Monde has revealed that Senegal has become a hub for various illicit substances, including cocaine, cannabis, synthetic drugs, and diverted medications.

A recent investigation by Le Monde revealed that Senegal has become a hub for various illicit substances, including cocaine, cannabis, synthetic drugs, and diverted medications. The country's ports have seen an increase in cocaine seizures, with over 2 tonnes of the substance intercepted between March and November 2024. The investigation also highlighted the rise of crack, a derivative of cocaine, which has become increasingly popular in Senegal since 2019.

The surge in cocaine trafficking through West African routes is a concern for European authorities. According to estimates, over a third of the cocaine consumed in Europe passes through ports in West Africa, with this proportion expected to reach 50% by 2030. The use of maritime routes, such as 'Highway Ten', allows traffickers to avoid increased scrutiny from European customs. Intermediaries in Senegal often sell part of the merchandise on the local market to compensate for their services.

The increasing use of West African routes to smuggle cocaine into Europe may lead to increased scrutiny of maritime and port activities in the region. Lawyers and compliance officers should be aware of this trend, as it may impact their work in ensuring that companies operating in the region comply with relevant laws and regulations. The rise of crack in Senegal is also a concern, as its high profitability has led to an increase in production and distribution.

Lawyers and compliance officers should be aware of the increasing use of West African routes to smuggle cocaïne into Europe, which may lead to increased scrutiny of maritime and port activities in the region.

Source: Original reporting via Le Monde