The Kaolack Research Brigade has dealt a major blow to cross-border drug trafficking by arresting three herdsmen involved in a vast network transporting Indian hemp from Gambia. A total of 82 kilograms of drugs were seized during these meticulously orchestrated operations.

An organized network dismantled

Investigations conducted by the gendarmes revealed a well-oiled system for the supply and distribution of Indian hemp. Boye Sow, a herdsman residing in the village of Ndimb gal in the commune of Keur Bouki (Birkilane department), was identified as the mastermind of the operation. He obtained supplies directly from Gambia before entrusting the transport of the illicit goods to his accomplices.

His main accomplice, Oumar Sow, also a shepherd, was responsible for transporting the drugs into Senegalese territory. The two men had set up a system of transport on foot to avoid traditional roadside checks.

The arrests

The truth was uncovered on August 7 around 8 p.m. when Oumar Sow was arrested in the forest of the commune of Dramé Escale. He was ambushed by the men of Warrant Officer Modou Ndiaye.

Despite the escape of his traveling companion, the police managed to seize 52 kilograms of Indian hemp in his possession.

Under interrogation, Oumar Sow quickly confessed to his role as a courier for Boye Sow. These revelations allowed investigators to organize a raid the following morning at 6 a.m. on the village of Ndimb gal, resulting in the arrest of the alleged leader of the network.

Boye Sow, who initially denied the facts during his first interrogation, finally admitted his responsibility during a second face-to-face meeting, admitting to being the owner of the seized drugs according to Seneweb sources close to the prosecution.

A third suspect is wanted

Investigations also identified a third gang member, a certain D. Ba, who remains actively sought. A raid on his home proved unsuccessful, as the man probably fled.

The two suspects arrested were brought before the Kaolack High Court on Monday, August 11, for criminal conspiracy, possession and international trafficking of Indian hemp.

A second successful operation

As part of the same wave of operations, the gendarmes made another significant arrest. Aly Ka, alias Mody, a shepherd living in Sibassor, was arrested this Monday, August 11 at 4 a.m. in Touba Mouride, in the Fatick region.

The man was trying to hide a bag containing 30 kilograms of Indian hemp in the forest, apparently waiting for an opportune moment to continue his journey. Like his accomplices, he had obtained supplies in Gambia and was trying to return home when he was ambushed by the gendarmes.

Placed in police custody for possession and international trafficking of Indian hemp, Aly Ka justified his act by economic motivations: "I wanted to sell my merchandise once I got home to provide for my family," he told investigators.

A blow to cross-border traffic

These arrests are part of the fight against drug trafficking in this border area with Gambia. The seizure of 82 kilograms of Indian hemp represents a significant blow to the trafficking networks that exploit the porous borders to sell their illicit goods.

This operation also illustrates the effectiveness of the surveillance missions carried out by the Kaolack Research Brigade, which was able to dismantle this network thanks to meticulous and coordinated investigative work across three regions.