Cocaine's African Layover Further Destabilizes an Unstable Continent

A recent report reveals that the African continent has become a major transhipment hub for drugs travelling to Europe.

In 2003, African authorities seized 1.1 tons of cocaine. One year later, that number had jumped to 3.6 tons. While greater amounts of cocaine were seized in other parts of the world, the more than 300% increase by which cocaine seizures grew in Africa is alarmingly larger than the 18% worldwide increase during the same period, according to official United Nations figures.

A document distributed by United Nations authorities during a recent law-enforcement conference held in Nairobi, in which 34 African nations participated, clearly states: “(Africa) is becoming a transit region to the worldwide cocaine market.”

The report cites the fact that European and U.S. anti-narcotic officials are less likely to perform close inspections on flights and shipments coming from countries that do not produce drugs as a major reason why drug traffickers have selected African countries as transit hubs.

However, the unfortunate and widespread corruption that many African nations face also makes it relatively easy for drug traffickers to move illicit drugs without fearing the intervention of security or customs authorities.

For example, the Western African nation of Ghana, which, with a 4.000% increases in cocaine seizures between 2003 and 2004, is the African country who has seen the largest increase in its cocaine traffic. Not surprisingly, the nation has also been consumed by numerous high-profile scandals related to cocaine trafficking that have destabilized an already shaky government.

Less than a year ago, Eric Amoateng, a member of Ghana’s parliament, was caught with a $6 million load of heroine in the United States. He is currently in jail.

Last June, 78 packages containing a total of 2.3 tons of cocaine were found aboard a ship called the MV Benjamin. 77 of the 78 packages soon disappeared and have yet to be found. In the tedious investigation that followed, the media obtained a taped conversation between Kofi Boakye, the second highest ranking police official in Ghana, and presumed drug dealers.

To date, 5 individuals are behind bars, the assets of 15 others have been frozen and numerous investigations are underway.

Kenya’s regional United Nations office published a statement that sums up the effects of Africa’s situation as a growing transshipment hub in the following bleak terms:

“Illicit drug trafficking has brought to the sub-region a wide range of serious and organised criminal activity including murder, kidnapping and extortion… Drug trafficking is also seen as a lucrative investment for the proceeds derived from other high-value crimes including theft, robbery and fraud.

Violent crime and the spread and use of firearms have risen to alarming proportions. Gangs of criminals often under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol act with total disregard for life or property and car-jacking, robbery and domestic burglary are commonplace. Resistance by the victim(s) is foolhardy and dangerous.

Women in particular are also vulnerable to accompanying acts of wanton sexual assault and rape, with a high degree of risk of contracting HIV/AIDS or other sexually-transmitted diseases.

All of these acts are traumatic for the victims, but also have a serious and negative impact on a region dependent on tourism.”