Malian customs officials have seized more than 20,000 explosives hidden in a vehicle at a border post, a major operation in the country’s ongoing effort to combat trafficking that fuels armed groups in the Sahel.
The raid, led by the Directorate of Intelligence and Anti-Fraud (DRLF), took place at the Benena border crossing. The operation began after customs agents began tracking a vehicle destined for a neighboring coastal country.
Inside the vehicle, agents discovered 20,952 explosives concealed beneath bags of food and cases of alcohol and energy drinks. According to officials, the traffickers had tried and failed to cross at two other locations, Heremakono and Koury, before attempting the Benena route.
This seizure follows a series of other significant busts in July. On July 8, the Mobile Intervention Brigade (BMI) intercepted two buses carrying 165 explosive sticks, 825 detonators, over 12,250 meters of detonating cord, and 360 kg of mercury. Just two days later, another shipment containing 165 explosive sticks, 825 detonators, and nine mercury canisters was seized in Bamako.
Authorities noted that these operations were conducted based on specific intelligence, highlighting a concerted effort to disrupt criminal networks. The seized materials are believed to have been intended for armed groups active in the Sahel region.
MD/ac/Sf/fss/abj/APA