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Sahel smugglers move into gold and counterfeit drugs

Friday, October 2, 2020

Significance

Some traditional forms of trafficking, such as cocaine, are somewhat contracting, while new ones, for instance counterfeit medicines, are booming. None has disappeared; instead the picture is more varied, as criminals further diversify their activities.

Impacts

  • The production and sales of fake anti- COVID-19 remedies, as seen elsewhere on the continent, are likely to increase.
  • Disruptions in supply chains because of the pandemic are likely to encourage smuggling, especially of foodstuffs and other basic goods.
  • Kidnappings for ransom are increasing in new areas south of the Sahel, such as in Burkina Faso, and will likely include targeting locals.

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