In a significant crackdown on illicit substances, authorities in Côte d'Ivoire incinerated over 8 tons of narcotics and counterfeit medicines in Guiglo, a city in the Cavally region. The destruction took place at the municipal dump in Guiglo on Friday, following a directive from the Public Prosecutor of the Guiglo First Instance Court and in line with police hierarchy instructions.
The incinerated products included 138.76 kg of cannabis, 8,202.20 kg of inferior and counterfeit medicines, 217 g of Tramaking 225, 61 g of Tapentadol, 8.10 g of cocaine, and 5 g of heroin. These substances were seized between April 18 and October 9, 2026. The police estimate the value of these seized products to be between 40 million and 50 million FCFA.
According to Commissioner Thomas Gbossouna Mlanhoro, head of the Guiglo regional anti-drug police unit, the seizures resulted from special operations conducted by his unit and other regional anti-drug units across the country. The Guiglo unit is responsible for the Cavally region, parts of the Guémon region, including Duékoué and Bangolo, and the locality of Guessabo in the Haut-Sassandra region.
Commissioner Mlanhoro urged consumers and traffickers to cease their illicit activities, warning them that law enforcement agencies are actively pursuing them and that they risk judicial prosecution. He also highlighted the adverse health effects of consuming narcotics and counterfeit medicines, emphasizing that such practices jeopardize individuals' futures and their contribution to Côte d'Ivoire's development.
The incineration of these substances aligns with national authorities' vision to combat the proliferation of narcotics and counterfeit medicines. Côte d'Ivoire's law enforcement agencies continue to intensify efforts to curb the trafficking and consumption of illicit substances, which pose significant threats to public health and security.
The country's anti-drug units have been conducting operations to dismantle trafficking networks and seize illicit substances. These efforts aim to protect the population, particularly the youth, from the dangers of narcotics and counterfeit medicines. The authorities remain committed to addressing the issue through sustained operations and public awareness campaigns.
The destruction of these narcotics and counterfeit medicines demonstrates the government's resolve to tackle the problem. The authorities will continue to work to prevent the circulation of such substances and to bring those responsible to justice.
Key points
- The incinerated products had an estimated value of 40-50 million FCFA.
- The seizures were made between April 18 and October 9, 2026.
- The substances were incinerated on the instructions of the Public Prosecutor of the Guiglo First Instance Court.
