UN Reports Surge in Drug Trafficking Through West Africa's Sahel Region

The United Nations warns of increased drug trafficking in the Sahel, highlighting the region's strategic location and its impact on local and global peace and health.

• Cocaine seizures in the Sahel have increased dramatically, with over 1,466 kilograms captured in 2022, compared to an average of 13 kilograms annually between 2013 and 2020.
• The Sahel's geographical position makes it a key transit point for drugs from South America to Europe, exacerbating local conflict and global drug flow.
• Armed groups in the region are financially benefiting from the drug trade, further destabilizing the area already troubled by recent coups.
• Corruption and money laundering are significant factors enabling the drug trade, involving political elites and community leaders.
• The UN calls for urgent, coordinated international action to dismantle drug trafficking networks in the Sahel.

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