Drug trafficking: "Kush" and synthetic drugs are gaining ground on cocaine; first detection of fentanyl (police)

The fight against narcotics in Senegal is facing a worrying trend with the emergence of new synthetic drugs. Presenting the National Police's activity report this Thursday at the National Police and Continuing Education School, Commissioner Baïdy Sène warned of the changing nature of trafficking and the emergence of particularly dangerous substances. According to him, seizures made in 2025 demonstrate an evolution in trafficking networks, with an increase in certain drugs and the appearance of new products.

Increase in seizures of certain drugs

According to the figures presented, 5,693 tonnes of Indian hemp were seized in 2025, compared to 4,688 tonnes in 2024, representing an increase of 21.43%. A significant increase was also observed for hashish, with 33.24 kg seized in 2025, compared to 6,057 kg the previous year.

In contrast, cocaine seizures have decreased. In 2025, 6.457 kg were intercepted, compared to 25.678 kg in 2024. This trend could be explained by the emergence of new synthetic drugs, which are increasingly present on the market. "This decrease could be explained by the emergence of new categories of synthetic drugs," stated Commissioner Baïdy Sène.

The worrying phenomenon of synthetic drugs

Among the emerging substances, police noted a growing presence of "kush," a synthetic drug whose use is increasing in certain urban areas. A total of 20.22 kg and 4,133 doses of this substance were seized. Anti-narcotics operations also resulted in the seizure of 34,344 tramadol tablets, 28,013 barbiturates, as well as 500.5 grams of ecstasy and 400 grams of methamphetamine. For the authorities, these figures reflect a shift in drug trafficking, with a diversification of the substances circulating in the country.

First detection of fentanyl in Senegal

One of the major revelations concerns the discovery, for the first time in Senegal, of a sample of fentanyl, an extremely potent synthetic drug. This substance was identified following a seizure carried out on February 26, 2026, by a police service, and subsequently analyzed by the National Drug Analysis Laboratory of the Technical and Scientific Police.

“This is an extremely dangerous product whose potency poses a deadly threat to the population,” warned Commissioner Baïdy Sène. Faced with this development, the National Police affirms that it is continuing its operations to combat drug trafficking and strengthen surveillance of criminal networks. For Commissioner Baïdy Sène, the emergence of these new substances demonstrates that the fight against drugs must now incorporate the new challenges posed by synthetic drugs, which represent a growing risk to public health and safety.