Some 175 people were apprehended in a major operation led by the Gendarmerie Legion of the Centre Region. This major raid took place in Yaoundé on June 24 and was described as a pivotal action in the ongoing fight against illegal drug trafficking and other related criminal activities in the area.
According to reports from the Gendarmerie, the operation uncovered a disturbing array of illegal items and substances that included a staggering 650 tablets and 4 boxes of Tramadol, a prescription medication often misused for recreational purposes. In addition, authorities discovered 255 packets of crack cocaine, a highly addictive stimulant, alongside 588 wraps of a substance known locally as “Thai,” which is suspected to be another form of illicit narcotics. Furthermore, a significant amount of Indian hemp was also seized, highlighting the prevalent drug issues within the region.
During the raid, law enforcement officials also collected various paraphernalia that are typically associated with drug use and distribution. Among these were 31 smoking devices, 16 syringes, and 4 scissors that could potentially be used for cutting or preparing drugs. Additionally, 4 sachets of illegal drugs were found, alongside 14 daggers, indicating the potential for violence and conflict within the drug trade. An unusual find included 1 chainsaw and 1 television screen, which raises questions about their role in the illegal activities being conducted in the area. Authorities also recovered 3 mattresses and 1 sewing machine, suggesting that living conditions may have been established within the site of the operation.
Perhaps most alarming was the discovery of several 10,000 FCFA banknotes that had been cut into round pieces. These pieces are suspected to be linked to the production of counterfeit currency, which adds another layer to the criminal activities being investigated.
Moreover, the Gendarmerie uncovered a warehouse that was being used to store stolen motorcycles. A total of 61 motorcycles were recovered from the site, further indicating the scale of theft and illegal trafficking in vehicles within the region.
The suspects apprehended during this extensive operation have been taken to the Nlongkak Gendarmerie Brigade for thorough investigation and questioning. The Gendarmerie is currently working meticulously to identify and reunite the seized items with their rightful owners, and further investigations are expected to unfold as the case develops.
