UN: Drug trafficking on the rise in West Africa

The International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) has raised concerns over increased drug trafficking in West African states.

Drug trafficking is a growing problem in West Africa as the production of synthetic drugs and their use are increasing in the region.

The board that is under the United Nations has stated that West Africa has for sometimes been a major transit region for trafficking drugs such as cocaine produced in South America going to Europe.

West Africa, key transit point for drug trafficking —INCB Report https://t.co/LAqe0F24tG

— Nigerian Tribune (@nigeriantribune) March 2, 2016

“The drug traffic between South America and Europe that passes through Africa has increased and cocaine from South America primarily passes through West Africa before getting to Europe,” said Erik Van Der Veen, Sahel coordinator for the U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime.

Illicit production and distribution centers have emerged in Ivory Coast, Guinea and Nigeria and this translates to the increased number of youth involved in drug use “The increased drug trafficking does not only hype criminal activities but also increase illicit use of drugs, particularly among young people,” the coordinator stated.

Heroin and cocaine traffickers are now also targeting Africa’s growing middle class, especially in countries such as Benin which have served as transit points

The organization called on governments to comply with international law, saying “impunity and corruption” result from and facilitate further drug-related crimes.