A major anti-drug operation conducted in Niamey, Niger’s capital, has led to the arrest of 331 individuals, including 27 minors, as authorities intensify efforts to dismantle drug trafficking and consumption networks in the city.

The operation, code-named Tankadé, also known as Hagaye in the Zarma language, meaning “to sift,” was conducted from Saturday night into Sunday under the leadership of the Central Office for the Suppression of Illicit Drug Trafficking (OCRTIS).

The operation was carried out in collaboration with other internal security forces under the Niamey Regional Security Council.

According to the authorities, the primary objective was to identify and disrupt established and emerging networks involved in the sale and consumption of illicit drugs, particularly dealers operating from known drug-selling and consumption locations.

The operation also sought to strengthen public security along major roads and across Niamey.

All five municipal districts of Niamey were targeted, alongside areas along the banks of the Niger River.

One of the major components of the operation was the screening of commercial and other road users for drug consumption.

A total of 182 drivers were subjected to drug tests, with 25, representing 13.73 per cent, testing positive for psychoactive substances.

The substances detected included cannabis, tramadol, ecstasy, methamphetamine, morphine and amphetamine.

Those tested included drivers of Hiace minibuses, trucks, taxis, buses and tricycles.

Overall, the operation resulted in the arrest of 331 people, comprising 291 men, 13 women and 27 minors.

Of those arrested, 49 individuals, including one woman and three minors, were transferred to OCRTIS for suspected drug-related offences.

Another 257 suspects, including 14 women and 22 minors, were handed over to other investigative units for offences falling under their jurisdiction.

Security forces also recovered a substantial quantity of suspected illicit drugs and other items.

The seizures included 10,500 benzhexol tablets, five 40-gram balls of suspected narcotics, 11 small packets of suspected cannabis, four cannabis joints and 532 tramadol tablets.

Seventeen motorcycles and several other items were also seized during the operation.

Authorities described the operation as successful, stressing that it formed part of a broader strategy to strengthen the fight against illicit drugs through targeted raids and systematic drug testing of road users.

The latest operation comes against the backdrop of growing drug-related arrests in Niger.

According to the OCRTIS first-half 2026 activity report, security authorities nationwide arrested 5,257 individuals in connection with drug-related activities during the period.

The Niamey region recorded the highest number, with 1,202 arrests, representing 22.86 per cent of the national figure.

The figures have prompted OCRTIS to reorganise its anti-drug strategy, with increased reliance on targeted operations and drug screening of road transport operators.

The development draw attention to the growing security concerns surrounding illicit drug trafficking and consumption in Niger, particularly in urban centres where drug networks can intersect with other forms of organised crime. (Zagazola)

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