BOBO-DIOULASSO - In a significant crackdown, the Hauts-Bassins Regional Judicial Police Service (SRPJ) has confiscated 9,720 cartridges of expired hookah products and strips of cannabis in two separate operations, targeting illicit drug trafficking activities.

According to Burkina Information Agency, based in Bobo-Dioulasso, the operations took place during July 2024 and led to the seizure of goods valued at over 90 million FCFA. The cannabis was intercepted from women of foreign nationality who had concealed it in their bags. "The modus operandi of these ladies consisted of going to a neighboring country from where they obtained their drugs. This drug was carefully hidden in purses and bags of clothing," the police explained. These women utilized public transport to travel back to their country of origin via Bobo-Dioulasso, selling part of the cannabis locally through accomplices.

In addition to the cannabis, expired shisha products were seized following tips from the local population, which led police to an underground store within the city. "The investigators discovered these products stored in 810 boxes, illegally returned to Burkinabe territory via public transport companies," reported the police.

The National Police have extended their gratitude to the citizens for their role in these operations and encouraged continued vigilance and cooperation. The police urged the public to keep reporting suspicious activities through toll-free numbers 17, 16, and 1010, reinforcing the community's role in combatting insecurity.