The question of drug trafficking in West Africa

Transcription

1 Forum: Advisory Panel on the Question of West Africa Issue: The question of drug trafficking in West Africa Student Officer: Avineet Gouri Position: President Introduction Illicit drugs are considered to be very addictive and their side effects impact the economies of the countries in many ways, causing a threat to the successfully functioning global society. In the early 2000s, West Africa was considered as the center for cocaine trade. As a result of the extensive drug trade followed several efforts for its eradication, which have proven to be successful to a point in the past, but has not truly helped the situation when looked at from a larger perspective. With Western Africa already being unstable in so many ways (due to political, social, and economical issues), this question of drug trafficking further results in severe political, economical and social instability. The lack of stability and strong security in these areas makes it an optimum area for smugglers to easily pass through with illicit cargo. Additionally, as cocaine is often an easy source of income, both small investors and povertystricken farmers turn to illicit drug activity with the hope of earning more profit. The issue of drug trafficking is an international issue that has been getting more and more dangerous over the past couple of years. Around half of the cocaine that travels from South America to the European continent, makes its way past several West African countries, which include Togo, Cape Verde, Nigeria, Benin, Mali, Ghana and Guinea-Bissau. As it was written in the World Drug Report from 2008, The cocaine found in Africa originated mainly in Colombia and Peru and frequently transited through Brazil. As a matter of fact, a large number of the traffickers who control the drug trade now stay in West Africa and conduct business from there. Just last year, 1.3 tons of cocaine was found in a fishing port near the coast of a town called M Bour. Global drug systems have depended for a long time on Latin America and its distribution centers to traffic cocaine to around the world. Be that as it may, a less known, profoundly lucrative cocaine trade has been discreetly advancing toward West Africa, transforming the area into an epicenter for the Research Report Page 1 of 13

2 shipments of drugs in transit to Europe. Working to a great extent with exemption, this drug trade results in an increased amount of corruption as well as threatens safety across the region. Attracted by West Africa's weak borders, frail state and security organizations, drug traffickers have made new courses and routes for distribution, bringing about a convergence of cocaine into the zone. The UN Office on Drug and Crime (UNODC), sounding the principal caution on the emergency, has informed a rapidly expanding cocaine trade in the areas of West Africa is distorting frail economies and causing in corruption in large sectors of the population from youth to police, military officers, and senior government authorities. The massive cocaine trade profits results in a serious threat to security and general wellbeing in greatly affected nation that not long ago confronted a genuine drug problem. Today cocaine is being transported illegally through most nations in the area of West Africa, as indicated by an UNODC report discharged in October The report uncovered that over 50 tons of cocaine from Latin America are entering West Africa annually, in transit to Europe where the drug is sold for nearly US$ 2 billion in the streets. The ruining impact of such abnormal profits which surpass the national spending plans of most West African nations is undermining to make Africa's first "narco-states, This is an area where the concept of corruption penetrates the highest sectors of government and the economy depends to a great extent on profits made by the drug trafficking. These contributing factors are not unpreventable. In tackling this issue, it is important to consider methods of eliminating possibilities for another resurgence in the future. We can only fully move forward if we think ahead so that progress that is achieved can be secured. In recent years it is true that a proportion of the cocaine and heroine trade has been shut down, but it has given rise to a new drug industry called ATS, which is taking up the streets of West Africa. Definition of Key Terms ATS Amphetamine-sort stimulant [ATS] is the term used for a group of stimulants that are synthetically like amphetamine and have amphetamine-like stimulant impacts. ATS are basically stimulants, which individuals take to keep themselves conscious, vitalized and cautious. ATS can make you overactive, fomented or even psychotic. ATS have been utilized as a part of wars to help keep officers alarm and are the primary ingredients in slimming pills, since they stop individuals from feeling hungry. Cocaine Research Report Page 2 of 13

3 "Cocaine" includes no less than two particular drug items: one of them being powder cocaine, and the other being a variety of cocaine base items, for the most part falling under the heading of "crack", on the other. Powder cocaine is a milder drug by and largely is snorted by the wealthier people, while crack and other base items show an exceptional high and are more often used by the poorer clients. Synthetically, the substance that is consumed is technically the same, however by adding baking soda, the heat enables cocaine to be smoked, a much more direct technique for ingestion. Drug Trafficking Drug trafficking is an international illegal trade including the development, produce, appropriation and trade of substances that come under the international drug probation laws. The Unified Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) persistently screens and examines about worldwide unlawful drug trade, trafficking and markets so as to pick up a more far reaching comprehension of them and how they function. Illicit Drugs Illicit drugs with regards to universal drug control, a "drug" alludes to any of the substances recorded in the schedule I and the schedule II of the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, created in 1961, regardless of whether they are synthetic or naturally produced. The term illicit drugs, additionally alludes to drugs which are under global control (and which might possibly have licit purposes in the medical field) however are created, trafficked as well as consumed illegally (illicitly). Organized Crime Organized crime is a group of individuals; local, national or international, that engage in criminal enterprises for profit. The rationale behind why they are formed varies because they may be politically motivated, financially motivated or an organized criminal 'gang. UNODC UNODC (The Unified Nations Office on Drugs and Crime) is an international leader when it comes to the fight against illicit drugs and international crime. It was established in 1997 as a result of a merger between the United Nations Drug Control Programme and the Centre for International Crime Prevention. UNODC operates in all regions of the world through an extensive network of field offices. UNODC relies on voluntary contributions, mainly from Governments, for 90 per cent of its budget. UNODC is mandated to assist Member States in their struggle against illicit drugs, crime and terrorism. West Africa West Africa refers to the following countries; Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Côte d Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo. Research Report Page 3 of 13

4 Key Issues Context Before expanding on this topic, it is essential to gain contextual knowledge on the issue which can further develop understand of what is happening in the region, to what extent, and why it is happening, as well as reasons to stop it; Cultivation of Coca that takes place in Bolivia, Colombia and Peru results in the supply of all the crops of coca leaves for cocaine production in the world; Around a half of the entire cocaine supply of the world is consumed within North America, and the other half is sold all around Europe, which is the next hotspot for drug traffickers as the market in the North American region matures; According to the World Drug Report by UNDOC in 2008, most of the plane couriers come from the areas of Mali, Senegal, Nigeria and Guinea; In the October of 2008, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) embraced a political presentation and provincial activity intended to battle drug trafficking and organized crime in the areas of West Africa. Sponsored by the UN Office for West Africa, Interpol, as well as the UN Department of Political Affairs and Peacekeeping Operations, the ECOWAS provincial plan of action intends to create national and territorial capabilities in the regions of law authorization, intelligence, forensics, fringe administration and illegal tax avoidance; The West Africa Coast Initiative was launched in the late spring of 2009 to battle drug trafficking and organized crime causing devastation in the area where cocaine worthy of US$ 1 billion travels through every year. The West Africa Coast Initiative is an organization of the UNODC, the UN Office for West Africa (UNOWA), the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) and the Division of Political Issues (DPA), alongside the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and Interpol. The overall current situation In the time period of 2004 and 2007, no less than two unmistakable trans-shipment centers rose in West Africa: one situated in the center of on Guinea-Bissau and Guinea, and one focused in the Bight of Benin which ranges from Ghana to Nigeria. Colombian traffickers delivered cocaine by 'mother ship toward the coast of West Africa before offloading to littler vessels. Some of this cocaine continued ahead via ocean to Spain and Portugal, however a few was left as installment to West Africans for their help. The West Africans at that point trafficked this cocaine by themselves for their own profits, to a great extent by business air messengers. Shipments were additionally sent in in small planes that were modified. These journeys were from the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to different West African countries. Research Report Page 4 of 13

5 Moreover, Central and Western Africa represents a huge amount of worldwide seizures of amphetamines that are not specified. The area remains a very important zone when it comes to the problem of responding to the drug issue, beginning with a superior comprehension of the idea of drugs in the illicit market. History of Cocaine and Heroin markets in West Africa West Africa has assumed a part in the worldwide trade both legal and illegal drugs for a considerable length of time, and heroin and cocaine have been trafficked through the locale for over 10 years. The circumstance has risen as of lately with the outcome that West Africa is currently a travel route for a critical part of the cocaine that is available on the European markets today. An expansion in endeavors and attempts to counter the cocaine exchange between West African Governments and worldwide associations may have added to the fall in the amount of in seizures of cocaine in West African nations as of lately (additionally credited to an enhancement of trafficking courses); however the area stays helpless against a resurgence in cocaine trafficking. Many years of trafficking through the area, and additionally different parts of Africa, have detrimentally affected the national economy and brought about an apparent increment in the utilization of cocaine. It is essential that lessons be taken from cocaine trafficking in West Africa and that the universal group works in participation with West African Governments to counter the developing ATS trade before it takes a hold and turns into an indispensable trafficking center point, as has occurred on account of cocaine. The additional aspect of danger with ATS when contrasted with heroin and cocaine is that not at all like cocaine or heroin, illegal ATS fabrication does not depend on the development of normally happening plants, for example, the coca leaf or opium poppy, and all things considered, is not constrained to certain geographic areas leaving the likelihood that West Africa could be changed not just into a key travel point in the trafficking of ATS, yet can possibly likewise turn into an ATS producing center point. The primary proof of the production methamphetamine was made aware of in Nigeria in The illicit production of ATS in West Africa Unlawful production of ATS is not a new concept to Africa. South Africa has given account of Methcathinone production since 2002 and illegal produce of methamphetamine since Egypt has a past filled with some drug produce, perhaps methamphetamine in a shape referred to locally as Maxiton Forte before 2000, and additionally someone even revealed cases of ecstasy production in 2004 and Research Report Page 5 of 13

6 even a case of methamphetamine production in April 2010, and when Egyptian experts found out, they destroyed a research center in Alexandria. In any case, since 2009 proof is developing that suggests that amphetamine-sort drugs are likely being fabricated in West Africa. Besides occasional reports of ATS manufacture in Egypt over the past 10 years, slight information has been made available from other countries in Africa regarding potential ATS production, which makes the situation very hard to assess. Below twenty percent of territories and countries in Africa presented annual reports questionnaire for 2010 and reported seizures of ATS. Additionally, no country in Africa has ever submitted any seizure information on ATS production since Role of drug trafficking organizations from South America in ALS manufacturing in West Africa Since the past decade, Latin America has been frequently active in the involvement of cocaine smuggling to West Africa. Due to strong measures taken around different parts of the world in order to prevent money laundering and prohibit the use and trafficking of drugs, common Colombian groups have been trying out different methods, measures, and paths to continue providing illegal drugs in Europe through West Africa. In addition, West Africa's lack of power, weak government, insufficient resources and equipment, poor social and economical situations and anti-drug capacities has provided an easy and accessible route for criminal organizations trafficking drugs into Europe. In the following years, there was a large variety of huge cocaine shipments that were cleverly intercepted by the European Navies, around the areas and waters of Western Africa, and many of these involved the mother ships from Southern America. Additionally, there were several cases where small modified planes were utilized, along with the spike in the usage of cocaine couriers that were seen to be on the flights from Western Africa to Europe. The main shipment hub is located on Guinea-Bissau and Guinea, stretching to Cape Verde, Gambia and Senegal, thus complementing the already existing trafficking hub of the Bight of Benin, which spans from Ghana to Nigeria. Around the time of 2008, cocaine that was being transported through the West African regions, gained a high level of international attention due to the increasing effects of this trade in the region over the past years. This resulted in further improved awareness, complimented with changes to the law enforcements in countries, as well as political leadership that would result in a substantial reduction in the amount of shipments seized in the region (which included maritime and air couriers). Major Parties Involved and Their Views Guinea-Bissau Research Report Page 6 of 13

7 Guinea-Bissau is the world's fifth poorest country without any penitentiaries and few police. Presently this small West African collapsed state has been the center of attention by drug cartels in Colombia, transforming it into a travel center for the cocaine exchange out of Latin America and into Europe. In 2006, Guinea-Bissau's total national output (Gross domestic product) of US$ 304 million was the same as the value estimation of six tons of cocaine in Europe. Guinea-Bissau is prized by drug traffickers mainly for its hugely unguarded coastline. The country is saturated with high levels of corruption in various sectors of the country, and in some cases even a complete absence of law, permitting cocaine posses to work with exemption. Nigeria Nigeria, by far the largest country in West Africa both in terms of population and surface area, is most frequently cited as origin for ATS trafficking, largely methamphetamine. Common destinations for methamphetamine trafficking out of Nigeria are Japan, Malaysia, Thailand and China. Egypt, France, Germany, Netherlands and Qatar have been used as transit countries for drugs to be smuggled to Japan. UNODC The UNODC Regional Programme for West Africa supports the application of the ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) Regional Action Plan against Illicit Drug Trafficking, Organized Crime and Drug Abuse , by a wide variety of initiatives. An important UNODC initiative in support of the ECOWAS Regional Action Plan is the West Africa Coast Initiative (WACI), which is jointly implemented by UNODC, DPKO (department for peacekeeping operations), DPA/UNOWA (United Nations Office for West Africa) and INTERPOL in three post-conflict countries, namely Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea-Bissau and will be expanded to Côte d Ivoire and Guinea. The WACI has contributed to improved national capacities, cooperation and intelligence gathering. In 2014, UNODC launched its Contribution to the UN Integrated Strategy for the Sahel, developed pursuant to Security Council Resolution 2056 (2012). UNODC Contribution, mainly under the Strategy s security pillar, aims at supporting the development of accessible, efficient and accountable criminal justice systems in the countries of the Sahel, to combat illicit drug trafficking, organized crime, terrorism and corruption in the region. South America Cocaine that is trafficked to West Africa mainly comes from 5 main sources; Peru, Brazil, Bolivia, Venezuela and Colombia. These countries have always been notorious for their drug related activity. Research Report Page 7 of 13

8 Most of their sea and largest aerial shipments that have recently been detected in Bolivia and Venezuela (on their way to West Africa), have said to been originated in Colombia. On the other hand, the much smaller shipments usually originate from Ecuador or Peru. Additionally, there are few shipments that are sent in containers (in addition to intensive air traffic) that originate from Brazil. According to forensic testing, about 54% of the cocaine seized in Brazil comes from the Plurinational State of Bolivia, 38% from Peru, and only 7.5% from Colombia Development of Issue/Timeline Date Event Outcome Early 2000s Organized crime became a huge concern in west Africa Between Over 20 major seizures were made in the West African Region 2008 The minister of transportation of Sierra Leone s cousin was found with an aircraft holding over 700kg of cocaine Reports of several cocaine traffickers in the Saharan Desert There was immense political in several of the West African countries A Boeing 727 was found burned in the Malian desert This was as a result of various cocaine shipments arriving and leaving bounded toward Europe. The brought serious attention to the issue. Helped governments realize there are hundreds of commercial air couriers carrying cocaine from West Africa to Europe As a result he was forced to resign Several were intercepted by terrorist organizations and as a result have had to cooperate with terrorist organizations As a result many of the channels of corruption that were associated with illicit drug trafficking were disrupted throughout the region. It was found to be the infamous Air Cocaine" carrying several tons of cocaine. Research Report Page 8 of 13

9 2010 The president of Gambia dismissed a large majority of his senior staff due to suspicion of drug trafficking 2012 As drug trafficking increased, so did political corruption and competition Several of these men were later sentenced and convicted in Following a military coup d état in April 2012, the situation dramatically worsened. August 2012 April November 2016 A regional training center in Ghana, an anti corruption unit in Sierra Leona and a vetted unit in Nigeria were identified Nigerian government discovered its 5 th illegal production center Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro 's two nephews were arrested These programs are now operating to build stronger institutions to fight the drug trade in the region. Colombians were said to be linked to this and many other such labs, and some were even arrested. This was as a result of them trying to ship drugs into west Africa so they could earn money to keep their family in power Previous Attempts to solve the Issue According to UNODC, cocaine attacks and spams have consistently been doubling since the past three years by 5,225 kilos with it being 1,323 kilos in 2005 increasing to 6,548 kilos in However, due to the UN s regional and domestic interference in supply routes by (since 2008) appealing for international aid, the cocaine spams have decreased. They have appealed to continue encouraging police forces and possessing the required equipment and expertise needed, in order to punish the drug traffickers, battle against the felonious and stop the laundering of money. The organizations that smuggle drugs are West African, mostly from Nigeria and Ghana, who supply in South Africa, Asia and Europe. In addition, they have extended their links with the other African countries like Benin, Cameroon, Cote d Ivoire, Guinea and Senegal. Moreover, reports from Europol suggest that these organizations have organized crimes in the EU along with other crime groups like the Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs and Russians. Even though initially they were only involved in the supply of Research Report Page 9 of 13

10 cocaine, since mid 2009, they have further extended their offerings by providing drugs like crystalline methamphetamine. The West African organizations have shown their great Excellency through their smuggling routes and hiding techniques. Furthermore, they make use of countries like Asia and Eastern Europe in order to avoid exposure. All in all, according to the reports provided by ATS annual to UNODC, the drug spams rate have been ranging between 60g to 50kg, however possibly being unable to depict the actual situation of ATS within the region. What the African governments lack is the ability, power and resources to be able to gather and report intelligence and further catch the smugglers and conduct investigations. Since 2005, different countries have reported different rates, where Burkina Faso, Nigeria and South Africa have been reported to have the highest amounts of ATS seized in comparison to countries like: Benin, Cameroon, Côte d Ivoire, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, Mali, Morocco, Niger, Senegal, Swaziland and Zambia. Possible Solutions The following report shows that West Africa has turned into a location for manufacturing methamphetamine and the origin point for the methamphetamine for East and South- East Asia. Increases in manufacturing and trafficking from West Africa and the African region as a whole may be caused by a demand for ATS (especially methamphetamine) in certain regions worldwide, high prices for the drug in target countries, and its significantly low manufacturing costs. Understanding the problem The unlawful manufacturing and trafficking of ATS in West Africa means there needs to be a more proactive movement towards raising awareness of the ATS phenomenon. This would ensure a betterment of understanding all aspects of the problem, which could instigate a more widespread response to the challenge. Investigations In order to generate an effective response, it is vital that an investigation should be conducted on the illegal manufacturing. Evidence from ATS laboratories must be thoroughly analyzed. This includes the investigation of the chemicals and equipment being used or traces of other drugs/ intermediate products found on the site. Information derived from such analysis will only be truly effective once it is Research Report Page 10 of 13

11 shared amongst drug law enforcement authorities not only within the country, but also across borders. These are the individuals who will be able to spark a truly effective response. Importance of precursor control ATS has precursors (substance through which another is formed) such as ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, which are often peddled across regions to ultimately reach areas where methamphetamine is unlawfully manufactured. Since the precursors are crucial elements in the manufacturing, the importance of precursor control needs to be further emphasized. Deflection can be avoided if the international community, such as UNODC and INCB, takes greater action. Strengthening staff Strengthening law enforcement could also be an efficacious action to take. Potent maintenance and operation often requires adequate technical equipment and well-trained staff, aspects that are often lacking in certain countries in West Africa. For instance, access to devices that can scan and detect drugs and precursors could significantly help with identifying and preventing ATS shipments or precursors. Well-trained and experienced staff would also ensure that the equipment being used is well managed and sample collection, storage, and transport are also appropriately conducted. This is an essential process. Research on drug In order to regulate drugs and their manufacturing, it is also vital that authorities and staff are well informed of accurate information on the nature of the drug, such as identity and purity, and are aware of precursor chemicals and alternative substances. Without this information, solid evidence- based data cannot be provided to support the actions taken and the operations of the individuals in charge. ATS is a complex substance hence it often results in challenges faced by forensic laboratories. Heightening the capacity of national laboratories can enable transferring and sharing scientific data regionally and nationally. Taking action on ATS manufacturing will only be truly useful when the uses of ATS are understood in their entirety. There are uses relating to social, economic, health, and cultural dimensions. The taxing use of ATS could most efficiently and appropriately be targeted by implementing rehabilitation programs. Research Report Page 11 of 13

12 Bibliography "Accessibility Guidelines, Accessible Websites, People with Disabilities." United Nations. United Nations, n.d. Web. "Amphetamine Type Stimulants." Amphetamine Type Stimulants FRANK. N.p., n.d. Web. Kevin.town. "Transnational Organized Crime:Let's Put Them out of Business." UNODC Transnational Organized Crime in West Africa: A Threat Assessment. N.p., n.d. Web. Nancy.cao. "United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime." About UNODC. N.p., n.d. Web. Rebecca.wabwoba. "United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime." West and Central Africa. N.p., n.d. Web. "Special Articles." Africa Economic Institute. N.p., 20 Aug Web. Timothy.larose. "United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime." West Africa under Attack from Narco-trafficking. N.p., n.d. Web. Vulliamy, Ed. "How a Tiny West African Country Became the World's First Narco State." The Observer. Guardian News and Media, 09 Mar Web. Williams, Jennifer. "What Is Organized Crime? - Definition, History & Examples." Study.com. Study.com, n.d. Web. Appendix or Appendices i. West African drug trade: ii. ATS trafficking in West Africa: iii. The UNODC s response to the drug trafficking problem: iv. Cocaine trade in West Africa: pdf Research Report Page 12 of 13

13 v. Information on UNODC: vi. Information regarding how the drug trade in West Africa is a threat to security: pdf Research Report Page 13 of 13