The Dakar regional narcotics brigade under the Central Office for the Repression of Illicit Drug Trafficking (OCRTIS) seized 2.57 kg of kush in Grand Mbao on Monday, December 22, according to Seneweb sources.

During this large-scale operation, two individuals, including a Sierra Leonean national, were arrested and a significant arsenal intended for trafficking this drug was seized.

Kush is an extremely dangerous synthetic drug composed of synthetic cannabinoids mixed with toxic chemicals. Originating in West Africa, this substance causes devastating effects on the human body, including violent hallucinations, severe psychiatric disorders, seizures, kidney and heart failure, and can lead to death. Its use is rapidly increasing among young Senegalese people, despite the major health risks it poses to public health.

The operation followed a tip-off regarding a foreign drug dealer heavily involved in the kush trade in the Grand Mbao area. A surveillance operation was deployed to conduct the necessary investigations. Investigators reconnoitered the area and observed suspicious activity around the main suspect's residence.

After several hours of careful observation, the suspect emerged from his home carrying a black bag, displaying obvious suspicious behavior that drew the attention of the police. He was quickly apprehended by officers from the brigade. A pat-down search of the suspect revealed a bag containing two small packets of kush (37g and 20g respectively), two Samsung A17 and A04 mobile phones, and 150,000 CFA francs.

Investigators also searched the two mini-studios occupied by the suspect. This operation resulted in the discovery of 2 kg of kush hidden in the ground floor kitchen, as well as the significant sum of 1,950,000 CFA francs, including a 500 euro note, two electronic scales, and packaging materials used for trafficking.

At the same time, his associate, who had come to purchase drugs with 100,000 CFA francs representing payment for the prohibited product, was arrested on the spot with his motorcycle, two cell phones (an iPhone and a Tecno), and the aforementioned sum of money. The two individuals arrested are IK, 34, claiming to be a Sierra Leonean merchant residing in Grand Mbao, and ID, 21, claiming to be a Senegalese mechanic residing in Boune.

When questioned briefly, IK stated that he owned the seized drugs and claimed to obtain them from a friend who imported kush based in Sierra Leone.

The total haul of this crackdown amounts to 2.57 kg of kush, unidentified tablets, four mobile phones, two scooters, 2,200,000 CFA francs, 500 euros, unidentified gold metals, two electronic scales and packaging equipment for the prohibited product.

The entire area was sealed off. The two suspects were taken into custody after being informed of their right to be assisted by a lawyer of their choice, in accordance with the applicable legal procedure.