The Research Section (SR) of the Kédougou Gendarmerie Legion conducted a major security operation from January 5th to 8th, 2026, in the Tinkoto and Kédougou areas. This targeted intervention followed the exploitation of several converging intelligence reports indicating trafficking in chemical substances dangerous to the population and the environment, counterfeit medicines, and drugs.

Deployed in the field, the SR (Special Research Section) officers conducted thorough investigations that led to the dismantling of a network operating in several sensitive areas. The preliminary results of the operation indicate the arrest of two individuals.

According to security sources, one of the individuals arrested is being prosecuted for possession and sale of pharmaceutical products, as well as for illegally practicing as a pharmacist. The second is implicated in offering and selling cannabis. Furthermore, another offense related to the illegal exploitation of mineral substances was uncovered during the operation.

However, the main suspect, identified as Ibrahima Cissé, a Guinean national actively sought by the gendarmerie, managed to escape. The search continues to locate him and bring him to justice.

The gendarmes also made significant seizures, illustrating the scale of the illicit activities dismantled. These included 52 tablets of doping pills of the tapentadol type, 80 loose tablets, 76.43 grams of Indian hemp, a bag containing precious stones, two motor pumps, 345 grams of mercury, and a total sum of 2,038,000 CFA francs.

Through this operation, the national gendarmerie reaffirms its commitment to combating all forms of trafficking that threaten public health, the environment, and the safety of the population, particularly in the mining areas of the Kédougou region. It also calls on citizens to strengthen their cooperation with the defense and security forces by reporting any suspicious activity.