The Burkinabe police have conducted a successful anti-drug operation in Bobo-Dioulasso, seizing over 4.2 tonnes of prohibited products and arresting 22 people. The operation, which took place on November 11 and 12, 2026, was carried out by the Central Police Commissariat of Bobo-Dioulasso in collaboration with the Permanent Secretariat of the National Committee for the Fight Against Drugs (SP-CNLD) and the water and forest services.
According to the Central Police Commissar of Bobo-Dioulasso, Soumaïla Nombré, the operation was the result of a joint planning between the Regional Police Directorate of Guiriko and the SP-CNLD. The operation followed a three-month intelligence gathering phase, which led to the identification of several suspects and the seizure of prohibited products. On November 11, nine people were arrested and several prohibited products, including cannabis, were seized.
The second day of the operation saw the arrest of 13 more people and the seizure of 458.4 kg of prohibited products. A total of 22 people were arrested and over 4.2 tonnes of prohibited products were seized during the operation. The seized products included 1,804.7 kg of "Kwik Action", 1,025 kg of "Carrefeu", 116.1 kg of "Toupaille", 49.8 kg of "Ronsons", and 52 kg of "Sudrec".
The operation also led to the seizure of 2.5 kg of cannabis, 400 kg of various pharmaceutical products, and 780.3 kg of products presented as having particular virtues on the human body. The police also seized five mopeds and a sum of 125,000 F CFA. The operation was part of the national strategy to fight against drug trafficking, adopted in September 2025.
The national strategy to fight against drug trafficking has two main axes, including the reinforcement of the repression of illicit trafficking of drugs and prohibited substances, as well as the fight against their abuse. According to Jean-Marie Kouraogo, head of the cooperation and partnership department at the SP-CNLD, the operation was a success and could lead to the dismantling of several drug trafficking networks.
The authorities have called for increased awareness of the dangers of consuming prohibited products and diverted medicines. The police have also urged citizens to provide information on illicit activities in their neighborhoods, as the silence of some citizens can hinder the fight against drug trafficking.
The operation in Bobo-Dioulasso is part of a larger effort to combat drug trafficking in Burkina Faso. According to the SP-CNLD, approximately 1,000 tonnes of drugs were seized in the country over the past five years. An study in 2019 showed that 6.12% of the population consumed drugs, highlighting the need for continued efforts to address the issue.
Key points
- 22 people were arrested during the operation.
- Over 4.2 tonnes of prohibited products were seized.
- The operation was part of the national strategy to fight against drug trafficking.
