The Kédougou Regional Narcotics Brigade (BRS) conducted two operations during the night of November 29-30, 2025, which led to the dismantling of a tramadol trafficking network operating in the villages of Bantaco and Wakilaré. Two individuals were arrested and brought before the prosecutor this morning.

A first suspect arrested in Bantaco

On Saturday, November 29, 2025, at approximately 10:00 PM, BRS officers, acting on reliable intelligence, targeted a shop in the village of Bantaco where the illegal sale of tramadol was suspected to be taking place. The suspect, MD, 35, a shopkeeper originally from a country in the sub-region, was allegedly using his shop as a distribution point.

After several hours of surveillance and reconnaissance of the premises, officers arrested him in his shop where 200 tramadol tablets were seized. He was taken into custody for possession and trafficking of psychotropic substances, illegal sale of medication, and illegally practicing as a pharmacist.

A second arrest in Wakilaré

The following Sunday, at 2 a.m., another operational intelligence led the BRS to the village of Wakilaré. The individual arrested, BC, 25 years old, a Malian national presenting himself as a gold miner, was receiving his clients at his home.

After discreet and prolonged observation, investigators entered his room where they discovered 130 tramadol tablets.

He was also taken into custody for the same offenses: trafficking in psychotropic drugs, illegal sale of medicines and illegal practice of the profession of pharmacist.

A direct link has been established between the two suspects.

Investigations conducted by the BRS established that MD, arrested in Bantaco, was BC's main supplier. This connection confirms the existence of an organized network operating in the area.

Following their detention, the two accused were brought before the prosecutor's office this morning where the procedure continues.

This dual operation demonstrates the vigilance and determination of the security forces in the fight against the fraudulent sale of medicines and the circulation of psychotropic substances in the Kédougou region.