A major Interpol operation targeting illegal mining activities across West Africa has resulted in the arrest of 200 individuals and the seizure of significant quantities of hazardous materials.
Dubbed “Operation Sanu,” the operation, which spanned from July to October 2024, focused on disrupting criminal networks involved in the illegal exploitation of gold and sand in Burkina Faso, Gambia, Guinea, and Senegal.
“Transnational criminal networks are exploiting mineral resources around the world, causing significant environmental damage, undermining national economies, and endangering public health and safety,” said Valdecy Urquiza, Secretary General of Interpol.
The operation yielded significant results, including the seizure of 150kg of cyanide, 325kg of activated carbon, 14 cylinders of mercury worth over $100,000, and substantial quantities of sulphuric and nitric acid. Authorities also discovered 10kg of cocaine and nearly 7,000 explosive devices during the operation.
The operation also highlighted the severe human cost of illegal mining. Large quantities of opioid painkillers, often used by miners to cope with the toxic effects of the chemicals employed in the mining process, were discovered during the operation. In Gambia, an initial crackdown on illegal sand mining led to the arrest of seven individuals.
“Operation Sanu” is part of a pilot project funded by the UK Home Office to combat illegal mining activities in West and Central Africa.
AC/Sf/fss/abj/APA