The global drugs trade shifts to west Africa
Weak, corrupt states are ideal for cocaine barons
![](https://www.economist.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1424,quality=80,format=auto/sites/default/files/images/print-edition/20191123_IRD001_0.jpg)
ONE OF AFRICA’S biggest-ever drug seizures took place on September 1st at a modest bungalow outside the town of Canchungo in Guinea-Bissau. Hidden behind a fake wall, Bissau-Guinean judicial police found 1,660kg of cocaine—enough to cut 100m lines. At two other houses nearby, they found a further 250kg of drugs. They arrested a dozen people, including three Colombians and a Mexican, and nabbed 18 cars and a speedboat. The drugs were destined for Mali and ultimately, Europe.
This article appeared in the International section of the print edition under the headline “Changing gear”
International November 23rd 2019
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