Senegalese territorial waters were the scene of a major anti-drug operation on the night of August 21, 2025. This intervention, carried out off the coast of Thiaroye-sur-Mer, illustrates the effectiveness of inter-service cooperation within the gendarmerie in the fight against cross-border drug trafficking.

The action of the security forces originated from the exploitation of information reporting the transport of a "significant quantity of Indian hemp" on board a fishing boat from a neighboring country. The complexity of this maritime mission required the joint mobilization of specialized units, under the aegis of the Keur Massar gendarmerie company, in close collaboration with the maritime and river gendarmerie legion specialized in interventions at sea.

This operational synergy was reinforced by the commitment of the Keur Massar research brigade and the special section responsible for environmental protection, demonstrating the versatility of the resources deployed.

Successful offshore intervention

The interception took place in the open sea, off the Thiaroye-sur-Mer quay, in conditions that were likely delicate, given the nocturnal nature of the operation. This maritime intervention demonstrates the professionalism of the gendarmes engaged in this perilous mission.

The discreet approach of law enforcement allowed them to catch the traffickers before they could dispose of their cargo or flee to international waters.

A considerable catch

The results of this operation are particularly convincing, with the arrest of two individuals caught aboard their boat. But it is above all the discovery of the cargo that reveals the scale of this trafficking: four bales of Indian hemp totaling 243 kg, Seneweb learned from Colonel Ibrahima Ndiaye.

This considerable quantity was "carefully concealed under fishing nets," revealing the sophistication of the camouflage used by traffickers to evade controls. The boat and a 15 hp outboard motor were seized.

Investigations are continuing to dismantle this entire network and identify possible accomplices both on the Senegalese side and in the country of origin of the cargo.

The National Gendarmerie is renewing its call for civic vigilance, urging people to report "any useful information free of charge to the toll-free numbers 800 00 20 20 or 123." This collaboration between security forces and citizens is crucial in the fight against these scourges.