The global drugs trade shifts to west Africa
Weak, corrupt states are ideal for cocaine barons
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
From the November 23rd 2019 edition
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