The illicit drug industry in Africa is growing rapidly

The illicit drug industry in Africa is growing rapidly, with the continent becoming both a major transshipment center and an increasing market for drugs, generating billions of dollars annually. The types of drugs traded include cocaine, methamphetamine, synthetics, and pharmaceuticals. Estimates from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) indicate that the number of drug users in Africa could rise by 38% from 2018 to 2030 due to the continent's young and growing population. The UN Security Council has highlighted that drug trafficking threatens economic development and can destabilize nations. 

Recent record-breaking drug seizures in 2021 and 2022 suggest a significant increase in drug trafficking across Africa, particularly in West Africa, which is believed to be the source of over 50 metric tons of narcotics each year. In a notable case, authorities in Nigeria, Africa's largest economy, seized 1. 8 tons of cocaine worth approximately $278 million from a warehouse in Lagos in 2022, marking the country's largest drug raid. However, this amount represents only about 2% of the drugs trafficked through the region annually. 

Historically, Africa played a minor role in the transnational drug trade, but is now emerging as a crucial point for drug shipments destined for lucrative markets in Western Europe, entering through various ports, airports, and desert routes. The situation has become so severe in Guinea-Bissau that it has been labeled a narco-state. The consequences of drug trafficking are extensive, contributing to economic challenges, gang violence, corruption, healthcare strain, and government responses in countries like South Africa. 

Data from the 2022 UN World Drug Report reveals increased cocaine trafficking levels in Africa, with at least 57 metric tons detected between 2019 and 2022. Journalists investigating drug trafficking must look beyond surface-level news and police reports to uncover the wrongdoing of criminals and the systems that support them. One example involves a local mayor in Niger, arrested while transporting over 200 kilograms of cocaine. This investigation entails exposing hidden networks and analyzing the policies that allow such crimes. 

Additionally, this kind of investigative reporting is fraught with danger; journalists often face threats, intimidation, and potential violence from drug traffickers who may have political connections and financial resources to undermine inquiries. 

When gathering information, reporters should be cautious with drug seizure statistics, as these can sometimes be fabricated. A starting point for research is the UNODC, which provides updated trends, seizure data, and drug production information. Journalists can filter seizure reports by region and drug type, dating back to 1990. They can also look for information on drug traffickers through INTERPOL’s Red Notices. 

Building a good array of sources is essential for reporters, requiring verification of their credibility and cross-examination of the data collected. It is also crucial to be skeptical of official figures since authorities may exaggerate or downplay the drug issue. Establishing trust with law enforcement sources can yield valuable tips, but caution is advised as they might also manipulate data for their own agenda. 

Investigators should monitor related trafficking activities, assess supply and consumption patterns, and may collaborate with others to share resources and minimize risks. Understanding the financial aspects of the drug trade is essential, including methods of money laundering. Various online resources and databases can assist in tracking illicit financial flows and exposing discrepancies in reported incomes that could indicate criminal activity. 

With technology evolving, drug trafficking methods are adapting, necessitating the use of modern tools to investigate. Journalists can learn a lot from previous successful investigations to aid their own efforts in exposing these crimes and their broader socio-economic effects. Cases highlighted, such as the codeine crisis in Nigeria and the intricate links between drug trafficking, terrorism, and corrupt governance, illustrate the complex dynamics at play in Africa's drug trade.

https://gijn.org/resource/guide-to-investigating-organized-crime-in-africa-drug-trafficking/

Ethiopia’s Addis Ababa Bole International Airport is becoming a significant site for illegal trafficking of narcotics and wildlife, mainly to Asian destinations. As the airport has expanded, its security has struggled to keep up, leading trafficking networks to reroute their operations through Ethiopia. The airport's weaknesses allow traffickers of various goods to exploit the same enforcement gaps. 

Since 2017, 23 African drug couriers have been arrested at Hong Kong Airport after passing through Bole. In early 2020, several individuals traveling from Bole were caught with cocaine at Hong Kong and other international airports. Mengisteab Beyene, from the Ethiopian Federal Police, stated that traffickers from South America are targeting the airport for Asian markets, mainly using African couriers, with most arrests involving Africans, particularly Kenyans and Tanzanians. 

In 2019, a female passenger was caught with a large quantity of cocaine at Bole, exemplifying the ongoing drug trafficking issues. Testimonies from prisoners indicate that Nigerian traffickers recruit East Africans, sometimes using coercion to force women to carry drugs. A case highlighted was that of Durra Kamau, who was tricked into ingesting cocaine pellets by a man who assaulted her when she refused. 

The increase in arrests at Bole coincides with a decline in drug trafficking arrests from other regional airports, attributed to improved security measures in Tanzania and Kenya. The changes in patterns are also backed by efforts against drug syndicates in these countries. 

In wildlife trafficking, while seizures have decreased, Bole has become a major transit hub. The International Fund for Animal Welfare noted a significant rise in wildlife trafficking incidents in Ethiopia. Although there are challenges, such as the lack of scanning technology and cooperation among security agencies, the airport's growing capacity may further attract traffickers. 

The overall assessment suggests that Bole faces serious challenges in curbing trafficking activities, with corruption and inadequate enforcement playing significant roles. Ethiopian Airlines’ plans for a new mega-airport may exacerbate these issues.

https://riskbulletins.globalinitiative.net/esa-obs-007/04-ethiopias-bole-international-airport-has-emerged-as-a-trafficking-hub.html

The Ethiopian Customs Commission is facing challenges in managing drug trafficking at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. The sophistication and abilities of drug smugglers have increased, making Ethiopia an emerging transit hub for such activities. According to a report from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, a significant number of drug seizures were linked to Ethiopia as a transit point. 

During a session with lawmakers, Customs Commissioner Debele Kabeta indicated that large quantities of drugs, including cocaine, are being smuggled into Ethiopia. He pointed out that these activities were not common in the past. Smuggling activities have drastically increased, with the Commission seizing smuggled goods worth 10. 2 billion birr, a significant rise from 4. 5 billion birr in the previous fiscal year. 

In the last 11 months, the exports and imports of smuggled goods in Ethiopia surged by 163 percent and 254 percent, respectively. The specific branch of the Commission at the airport recorded almost a 200 percent increase in exports managed by smugglers and a 726 percent rise in illegal imports compared to the previous year. 

Commissioner Debele faced scrutiny from Members of Parliament regarding the environment enabling these illegal activities and the measures being taken to counter them. He noted that the problem stems from the nature of international flights and the growing capabilities of smugglers. He emphasized the need for increased resources, skills, and human capital to address the issue, suggesting that Ethiopia should learn from countries with more experience in managing such situations. 

He expressed concern about the method by which large quantities of cocaine are being smuggled from countries like Brazil to Ethiopia without detection. He called for a detailed investigation into this problem and the techniques used by smugglers. Also, he emphasized the need for a broader understanding of the issue and support to effectively disrupt smuggling networks, stating that both exports and imports of contraband are significant challenges for the Commission. 

The growing smuggling activities at Bole airport highlight the need for stronger controls and resources to combat this increasing threat to customs operations in Ethiopia.

https://wardheernews.com/drug-trafficking-overwhelms-customs-controls-at-bole-airport/

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In an article dated September 18, 2024, Alexander Tripp discusses the Sahel region becoming a major hub for drug smuggling, highlighting the seriousness of this impending crisis. Despite other ongoing issues such as economic instability, military coups, and terrorist activities, drug trafficking is rising. Increased drug flows from the Americas are expected to impact regional and global geopolitics. 

Statistics reveal the alarming growth in drug seizures. For instance, cocaine seizures rose dramatically from thirteen kilograms in 2015 to 1,466 kilograms in 2022, indicating a severe drug problem in the area. The region's growing drug trafficking numbers are tied to Europe’s increasing demand for narcotics and the desperation of local youth for opportunities. Sahelian countries, often characterized by weak governance and economic hardship, are vulnerable to the influence of drug trafficking organizations. 

The challenges are compounded by the involvement of armed groups, including jihadist organizations that have global ambitions and can capitalize financially from drug trafficking. Several terrorist groups operate in the Sahel, such as al-Qaeda affiliates and Boko Haram, which manage vast territories and are competing for resources. 

The involvement of these groups in the drug trade can lead to dangerous outcomes, including the rise of narco-terrorism, which could further destabilize the region and impact Europe. Western countries, primarily the U. S. and EU, face significant challenges in addressing these issues, as military partnerships in the Sahel have deteriorated. 

However, supporting democratic countries in West Africa offers a potential avenue to combat drug trafficking effectively. Nations like Senegal and Ghana are already making significant strides against drug smugglers. For instance, Senegal has seized multiple tons of cocaine in recent months. 

In conclusion, if narco-terrorism establishes itself in the Sahel, the repercussions could be catastrophic, affecting both the region and the world. The international community must address this emerging crisis promptly.

https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/africasource/the-sahel-is-now-an-epicenter-of-drug-smuggling-that-is-terrible-news-for-everyone/