The Saint-Louis Research Brigade dismantled a vast drug trafficking network during an operation carried out on the sidelines of the annual Fass Ngom pilgrimage.

In preparation for the annual pilgrimage to Fass Ngom, which took place from January 11 to 12, 2026, the Commander of the Saint-Louis Gendarmerie Company had mobilized the gendarmes of the Research Brigade (BR) of the region.

Acting on intelligence about a drug trafficking operation orchestrated by criminals taking advantage of the crowds associated with this religious event, investigators have made a first wave of arrests, according to Seneweb sources.

Three individuals, identified as Mr. Sow, Mr. Fall and A. Fall, were arrested in possession of ecstasy tablets and Indian hemp which they were consuming on site.

Continuing their investigation, the gendarmes of the BR (Brigade de Recherches - Research Brigade) launched an undercover operation on January 27, 2026, which lasted for more than a week. An undercover agent managed to identify the head of the network, a man named A. Tall, and gain his trust.

The officer then placed a drug order in an attempt to entrap the trafficker. Unsuspecting, A. Tall agreed to deliver the ecstasy pills. He was caught in the act during the delivery. A body search revealed a large quantity of pills commonly known as "souss" on him.

Complete dismantling of the network

On January 29, 2026, investigators identified MA Diop as one of the masterminds of the marijuana trafficking network in the department. A new undercover and surveillance operation was launched by plainclothes gendarmes.

Law enforcement ambushed him while he was making a delivery with his lieutenants on Jakarta motorcycles. He was arrested in possession of more than three kilograms of marijuana. His associates fled and are being actively sought by the Saint-Louis Company.

In total, five people were arrested and brought before Prosecutor Baye Thiam, who remanded them all in custody. They are being prosecuted for criminal conspiracy, possession, use, and trafficking of drugs.

This operation demonstrates the effectiveness of the infiltration and intelligence methods of the Saint-Louis Research Brigade in the fight against drug trafficking in the region.