International cocaine trafficking: how the Keur Massar BR dismantled a network between Dakar and Somone

The Keur Massar Research Brigade (BR) dismantled a suspected drug trafficking network operating between Keur Massar and Somone between September 26 and 29, 2026. Two men were taken into custody. Prosecutor Saliou Dicko was informed of the facts.

The starting point: information about a network active in Keur Massar

The investigation began following intelligence indicating the existence of a drug trafficking network in Keur Massar. A second, broader tip suggested international trafficking between Guinea-Bissau and Senegal. The BR (Brigade de Recherches - Research Brigade) set up a surveillance and tracking operation to identify the various individuals involved and determine their respective roles. These investigations led to the identification of several people suspected of involvement.

September 26: a delivery to Somone

According to information gathered by Seneweb, on September 26, 2026, a certain A., of Guinean nationality, allegedly transported to Somone, on behalf of L. SAMATE, 129.4 grams of cocaine and a 94.5 gram tablet of hashish.

Upon arrival, the goods were allegedly collected by Mr. Soumare, alias Karamo. He reportedly took 69 grams of cocaine for himself. The hashish tablet and the remaining 60.4 grams were allegedly given to P. Achebe, a Nigerian national residing in Somone. P. Achebe was reportedly tasked with preparing the drugs.

September 27: Recovery of the prepared drugs and negotiations

The following day, Mr. SOUMARE reportedly returned to Somone to collect 30 grams of prepared drugs from P. ACHEBE.

The information gathered during these exchanges indicates that L. SAMATE allegedly agreed with P. ACHEBE to sell him the hashish tablet for 500,000 CFA francs and the 30 grams of cocaine for 450,000 CFA francs. P. ACHEBE also reportedly mentioned a contact of foreign nationality, working in a road construction company, who could potentially provide him with clients.

L. SAMATE also allegedly asked M. SOUMARE to hand over 10 grams of drugs to a certain B., in Keur Massar.

Having been informed of the meeting, investigators went to Karamo's home to monitor the exchange. B., who had gone there to collect the drugs, had left before their arrival. Plainclothes officers then arrested Mr. Soumare.

The search of his bedroom yielded:

Sixty grams of white powder, presumed to be raw cocaine, concealed in a sock. Twenty grams of rocks, presumed to be cocaine, already packaged in a plastic bag. A quantity of white powder whose nature will be determined by analysis. Several plastic bags likely used for packaging narcotics. The sum of 20,000 CFA francs, presented as proceeds from the sale of 10 grams of drugs intended for B. A large mattress and a fan.

Mr. SOUMARE was taken into custody on September 28, 2026 for association with criminals, possession and international trafficking of a substance presumed to be cocaine, for a quantity of 89 grams.

Mr. Soumare, also known as Karamo, is 56 years old. A security guard, he resides in Keur Massar. According to our sources, the evidence gathered points to him as one of the key players in the distribution network. He is believed to have been involved in receiving, storing, packaging, and distributing narcotics to clients. His involvement at several stages, according to our sources, suggests that he played a central role in the local distribution network.

He admitted to having already been convicted in 2009 for trafficking Indian hemp. He stated that he served a two-year prison sentence for this.

When questioned about the origin of the product, Mr. Soumare stated that he had obtained it from A. on behalf of L. Samate. He denied, however, ever having sold hashish and maintained that he was merely a deliveryman in this affair. Asked to provide information about any possible accomplices, he claimed to know no one.

September 29: L. SAMATE was arrested in Somone

On September 29, 2026, investigators from the Keur Massar Criminal Investigation Brigade, traveling in an unmarked vehicle, went to Somone with Mr. Soumare to arrest L. Samate. The latter had been identified during the investigation as being involved in the network.

On site, investigators set up a surveillance and tracking operation around the affected neighborhoods. Their source then reported a meeting between L. SAMATE and a client for a drug delivery at a local hair salon. Immediately informed, the investigators went there.

Upon seeing their vehicle, L. SAMATE threw his backpack behind a house fence. After being identified, he was apprehended with the assistance of officers from the Somone local brigade, which reports to the Mbour gendarmerie company.

A search of the surrounding area led to the discovery of the abandoned backpack in the bushes. It contained thirty packets of packaged cannabis and white pebbles suspected to be cocaine. After the seizure, L. SAMATE led investigators to his home. The search there revealed nothing of interest to the investigation. He was then taken to Dakar for further questioning.

L. SAMATE, aged 44, a merchant residing in Somone, was taken into custody for criminal conspiracy, possession and international trafficking of a substance presumed to be cocaine, as well as for offering and transferring thirty packets of Indian hemp.

When questioned about the events, L. SAMATE categorically denied them. He maintained that the bag containing the narcotics did not belong to him. Asked to hand over his cell phone, he claimed to have lost it two days prior.

Prosecutor Saliou Dicko has been informed of the facts. The other suspects are being sought.