Ouagadougou—A significant operation by the national gendarmerie has led to the arrest of ten individuals allegedly involved in a network trafficking explosive products, narcotics, and stolen items in Burkina Faso’s capital.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the economic and financial unit of the research section of the 3rd Legion of the national gendarmerie, during a press briefing on Wednesday, outlined the scope of the criminal activities, which included serious banditry, criminal association, and illegal possession of weapons and munitions. “The facts constitute the offences of serious banditry, criminal association, illegal possession of weapons and munitions of war, importation and sale of explosive substances, sale of narcotics,” stated Lieutenant Justin Bagré.
The dismantling of this network followed a series of investigations triggered when a member was apprehended near an official’s residence with an automatic pistol and explosives. The suspect attempted to flee after being spotted by security forces but was captured following a brief chase. This initial arrest led to the identification and apprehension of the remaining network members.
During the operation, law enforcement officials seized an automatic pistol, two magazines loaded with 9.19 millimeter ammunition, additional rounds of 7.65 millimeter ammunition, three motorcycles, and 150 grams of cannabis. More alarming, the suspects possessed a significant quantity of explosives, including 352 explosive charges, 618 detonators, and lengths of detonating cord.
Commander Justin Bagré highlighted the extensive nature of the criminal operation, noting the recovery of materials used in explosives such as sulphuric acid, cyanide, and pneumatic products, valued at approximately 4,000,000 FCFA. The suspects, aged between 19 and 31, were actively operating within Ouagadougou, underscoring a concerning level of organized crime within the city.
