Kédougou: Customs seize 7.5 tonnes of cyanide in a cross-border trafficking network

The fight against the trafficking of prohibited goods and the protection of the environment have taken a new turn in Kédougou. Agents from the Kédougou Customs Subdivision recently seized 7.5 tons of cyanide, a particularly dangerous substance used notably in gold mining.

The operation follows the exploitation of intelligence reporting the activities of a group of individuals of foreign nationality involved in cross-border trafficking of substances harmful to the environment.

Alerted, Customs officers stopped a truck carrying 150 bags of cyanide, for a total weight of 7.5 tonnes.

According to information provided by customs services, this seizure is part of the fight against the trafficking of prohibited products or products subject to special regulations due to their dangerous nature.

Cyanide is indeed one of the products used in certain gold extraction processes. Its transport to clandestine gold mining sites is therefore among the activities targeted by the control services, particularly in a region like Kédougou, heavily impacted by gold mining.

Cross-border trafficking in the crosshairs

The investigations that led to this seizure indicate a group of individuals of foreign nationality who are allegedly involved in cross-border trafficking of harmful substances destined in particular for clandestine gold mining sites.

The seizure of the 150 bags represents a significant operation to control the flow of hazardous materials in the region. It comes at a time when customs services are increasing their surveillance of products that could fuel illegal gold mining activities and harm the environment.

Through this operation, the Kédougou Mobile Customs Brigade reaffirms its commitment to combating illicit trafficking and the transport of dangerous substances, while also contributing to the preservation of natural resources in this part of Senegal.