Grand Magal of Touba: National Police announce 244 arrests, 110 individuals brought before the Public Prosecutor

The National Police have released a report on their security measures deployed for the 132nd edition of the Grand Magal of Touba. In a statement signed by Commissioner Mamadou Diouf, head of the Communication and Public Relations Division, they expressed their satisfaction with the success of this large-scale operation.

For this event, 4,823 police officers, both plainclothes and uniformed, were deployed. This human deployment was supported by significant vehicles and modern technologies, including CCTV cameras, drones, detection devices, and an anti-drone system, complemented by enhanced communication and transmission capabilities.

On the enforcement front, the results are particularly highlighted by the police authorities. A total of 244 individuals were arrested for various offenses, 110 of whom were brought before the Public Prosecutor's Office, according to Seneweb sources. These arrests were accompanied by a significant seizure as part of the fight against drug trafficking, including 6.268 kg of cannabis, 243 packets and 21 joints of the same substance, as well as 12 grams of hashish, 43 ecstasy pills, 45 Tapentadol tablets, and 44 bottles of cellulose products.

In terms of road safety, the checks carried out resulted in the seizure of 1,090 administrative documents and the impounding of 58 vehicles and 12 motorcycles, for a total of 2,463,000 CFA francs in fixed fines collected. However, the road safety record remains marred by 68 traffic accidents, two of which were fatal, 43 resulting in personal injury, and 23 resulting in only property damage.

The humanitarian aspect was also a priority. The National Police medical service set up two advanced posts, providing 489 free consultations, 450 for civilians and 39 for police officers, resulting in 21 on-site treatments and 3 emergency evacuations. Two thousand bottles of water were also distributed to pilgrims on the day of the Magal.

On the social front, 27 lost children were identified at the outposts. Of these, eight presented themselves voluntarily at the police station, three were found and returned to their parents, four were placed in the care of the Open Environment Educational Action (AEMO), while six were reported lost but did not present themselves to the service. The system also facilitated the issuance of 200 passports in less than 48 hours.

In its statement, the National Police expressed its gratitude to religious authorities, the administrations involved, the public, and the press for their contribution to the success of this mission. It also offered its condolences to the families of the victims of the traffic accidents and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.