Police burn 250 cartons of seized drugs in Mogadishu

MOGADISHU – Somali police on Tuesday publicly burned 250 cartons of narcotics in Mogadishu after seizing them during an attempted illegal import, authorities said, as the government steps up efforts to curb drug trafficking.

Police spokesperson Maj. Abdifitah Adan Hassan said the drugs were intercepted at Mogadishu Port and Aden Adde International Airport following increased surveillance targeting smuggling networks.

The destruction was carried out under an order from the Banadir Regional Court.

“Today, 250 cartons of drugs were burned in public. They were intended to be illegally imported into the country. The court ruled they be destroyed to prevent their danger,” Hassan told reporters.

He warned that security forces have intensified checks at all entry points, including ports, airports and land borders, to stop trafficking.

“Those involved in this illegal trade should stop immediately,” he said, adding that violators will face strict action.

Drug smuggling has become a growing concern in Somalia, where traffickers exploit weak border controls and political instability.

Authorities say narcotics such as hashish, heroin and controlled pharmaceuticals are often concealed in commercial shipments entering the country.

Analysts warn, however, that the trade remains lucrative and continues to challenge law enforcement agencies.