An extensive anti-drug operation, codenamed 'Tamisée' (meaning 'Hagay' in zarma and 'Tankaday' in haoussa), was successfully conducted in Niamey on Saturday, August 15, 2026. The operation's primary objective was to reinforce efforts against drug trafficking and consumption within the city, aiming to disrupt illicit activities and enhance public safety. During the initial intervention, 25 drivers tested positive for psychoactive substances, noting the prevalence of drug use among road users. Authorities also apprehended 49 individuals, including one woman and three minors, who were subsequently taken to the Office Central for the Repression of Illicit Drug Trafficking (OCRTIS) for various drug offenses. This targeted action shows the authorities' commitment to tackling the drug problem in the region.
Operation Scope and Phases
This was the seventh edition of the ongoing operation, strategically unfolding in three distinct phases to maximize its reach and effectiveness. The initial phase meticulously involved both fixed and mobile screening of drivers and other road users across key thoroughfares. Following this, a full sweep operation was conducted across all five communes of Niamey, targeting known areas of drug activity. The third phase encompassed a specialized nautical patrol along the river banks, designed to intercept trafficking routes and activities occurring near waterways. During these activities, a total of 182 drivers underwent drug tests to detect the presence of illicit substances. Drivers who tested positive were found to be operating various types of vehicles, indicating a widespread issue across different transportation sectors, including Hiaces, Trucks, Taxis, Buses, and Tricycles.
Drug Offenses and Apprehensions
The multi-faceted anti-drug operation resulted in the apprehension of a significant number of individuals across all three phases, with an overall total of 331 individuals taken into custody. This group comprised 291 men, 13 women, and 27 minors, reflecting the diverse demographics involved in drug-related activities. During the intervention, authorities detected various illicit substances, showing the range of drugs circulating in the city. These included cannabis, tramadol, ecstasy, morphine, and amphetamine, indicating a complex drug landscape. A significant portion of the arrests, totaling 306 individuals, occurred specifically during the second and third phases of the operation. This particular group included 266 men, 15 women, and 25 minors, demonstrating the effectiveness of the sweep and nautical patrol phases. Of the total apprehended, 257 individuals were handed over to other units for offenses falling within their respective jurisdictions, indicating a coordinated effort among law enforcement agencies. This group consisted of 14 women and 22 minors.
Significant Seizures and Objectives
Throughout the operation, authorities successfully seized a range of illicit substances and other contraband items, dealing a substantial blow to drug networks. Among the narcotics confiscated were a staggering 10,500 benzhexol tablets, along with 05 cannabis balls, 11 cannabis cones, and 04 cannabis joints. Additionally, 532 tramadol tablets were recovered, further disrupting the supply chain of these potent drugs. Other seized items included 17 motorcycles, often used in drug distribution, 02 packets of chicha product, and 02 chicha consumption devices, noting other forms of substance use. A sachet of powder, various pharmaceutical products, a television set, two jacks, and a traditional musical instrument were also confiscated, suggesting the breadth of items involved in or acquired through illicit activities. The Office Central for the Repression of Illicit Drug Trafficking (OCRTIS) stated its explicit aim was to strike a significant blow against drug trafficking and to effectively cleanse crime-ridden areas within Niamey, thereby improving the safety and well-being of its citizens.