Drug trafficking in West Africa: a scourge that persists
Every year, drug trafficking in West Africa reaches alarming proportions, amounting to around a billion dollars. Countries in the region, such as Guinea, are seeking to combat this scourge, but well-organized criminal networks continue to thrive.
According to a recent report from the Global Initiative, illicit wholesalers play a key role in this trafficking chain, passing an increasing number of references. “These people are based in countries like Burkina Faso or Guinea and are truly the kingpins of trafficking. They are in contact with laboratory manufacturers in China or India, as well as with distributors present in private warehouses, pharmacies or even street markets. They operate with complete impunity and allow the arrival of entire containers of medicines without being disturbed at the borders,” explains Flore Berger, specialist in organized crime in West Africa.
Medicine diversion occurs at all stages of the supply chain, from production to distribution to sales. The supply chains of licit and illicit markets are closely linked, so that a medicine can pass from one side to the other several times before being consumed.
In Guinea, the fight against drug trafficking has become a priority for the government. The medicrime brigade is responsible for closing clandestine pharmacies. According to Manizé Kolié, general secretary of the Guinean pharmacists’ union, the effects of this repression are visible: “The situation has undeniably improved. Formerly, Guinea was the hub for the distribution of medicines in the sub-region and even in the beyond. Today, many people have retrained.”
The report suggests several solutions to reduce corruption and drug diversion. Among these, centralizing purchasing and reducing the number of wholesalers would considerably minimize risks. Burkina Faso has already adopted this strategy, as has Guinea, which went from 150 to just 10 private importers over the last two years.
Manizé Kolié is convinced that this approach can also help reduce the cost of medicines sold on the licit market: “The more we buy, the more we can negotiate reductions which are reflected in the final price for consumers. It is entirely possible to lower the prices of medicines and to no longer make health a financial concern. It is achievable here, in Guinea at least.”
Due to their efficiency and ability to quickly respond to high seasonal demand, drug traffickers are difficult to thwart.. In the Sahel region, the legal supply is declining due to insecurity, which allows organized trafficking to flourish, further aggravating health problems. It is estimated, for example, that 48% of the antimalarial market in West Africa comes from illicit sources.
It is imperative that governments in the region redouble their efforts to combat this harmful trafficking. Measures such as international cooperation, strengthening border controls and public education about the dangers of counterfeit medicines are essential to protect the health of local populations.
In conclusion, drug trafficking in West Africa is a persistent problem that requires concerted action. It is important to continue efforts to combat this scourge in order to ensure safe and affordable access to medicines for all residents of the region.