(independantexpress.net)
The insecurity on the Togolese coasts in recent years has contributed to a most alarming situation. Drug trafficking has become the favourite activity of many networks across West Africa. Networks, often supported by respectable and well-known men. The Autonomous Port of Lomé (PAL), which claims to be the leader in West Africa, is now at the centre of this illicit activity.
In Uruguay, on Friday, December 27, a large quantity of drugs was seized at the port of Montevideo. Drug seizures are not uncommon in this country; but given the large amount of the seizure, the Uruguayan authorities say it was « the most significant blow to drug trafficking in the country’s history ».
According to the Uruguayan navy, it was from containers carrying soy meal to the scanner that anomalies were found. Several tons of cocaine were hidden in the containers. A huge amount with an estimated value of almost a billion dollars on the European market.
However, the most surprising fact is that the four containers loaded with cocaine were bound for the port of Lomé in Togo. Could it be that Togo has always been the gateway to drugs in West Africa?
Recently, Togolese waters were stormed by pirates and the incompetence of the maritime authorities had been pointed out. Today, this record-breaking seizure of drugs destined for Togo is undeniable proof of the insecurity that prevails on the Togolese coasts.
It is certain that this huge quantity of drugs (4418 kilos of cocaine) was not destined for the Togolese market. Moreover, the silence of the Togolese authorities on this scandal undoubtedly testifies to the involvement of some in this juicy trafficking.
In fact, according to a report by the United Nations Office for Drugs and Crime (UNODC), profits from cocaine trafficking alone could exceed the cumulative security budgets of several West African countries. A boon for many African politicians and heads of state.
At a time when many leaders are crying out for peace and security, it is certain that if concrete measures are not taken, the port of Lomé risks becoming, if it is already, a hub for drug trafficking in West Africa.
www.independantexpress.net
Alfredo Philomena