The incineration took place on Thursday, September 19, 2024, in a public event attended by law enforcement officials, international organizations, and civil society representatives.
The Director General of the Judicial Police, Domingos Correia Monteiro, emphasized the transparency of the process and the involvement of international experts from Interpol, the DEA, and the UNODC. He assured the public that all legal procedures had been followed and that the ongoing investigation would continue, with more arrests expected in the near future.
Ana Cristina de Andrade, the UNODC Representative in Guinea-Bissau, commended the authorities for their responsible and transparent approach to drug destruction. She also stressed the importance of prevention and called for continued efforts to educate young people about the dangers of drug abuse.
While the authorities celebrated the successful incineration, human rights activist Bubacar Turé expressed concerns about the potential for impunity in the case. He cited previous instances where suspects were released despite strong evidence, criticizing the Supreme Court for sending the wrong message and undermining the efforts of the judicial police.
The seizure of the cocaine shipment on September 8 marked a significant blow to drug trafficking in Guinea-Bissau. The operation, which involved the arrest of five individuals of Latin American origin, highlighted the country’s vulnerability to illicit drug trade.
AC/sf/lb/abj/APA