Smuggled Synthetic Cannabis Floods Comoros Markets as Authorities Fail to Act
The island nation of Comoros is struggling to contain the influx of synthetic cannabis, which has flooded its markets despite efforts by authorities to stem the tide. The country’s poor governance and corruption have created an environment conducive to financial crime, with government officials often colluding with criminal networks.
Synthetic Cannabis Production and Smuggling
- Most consumed synthetic drug in Comoros
- Produced locally using precursor chemicals smuggled from China via Mayotte
- Fishing ships used for human and cannabis trafficking are also used to transport synthetic cannabis
The country’s poor governance and corruption have created an environment conducive to financial crime, with government officials often colluding with criminal networks. The authorities’ lack of action has led to widespread drug trafficking and human smuggling, with international criminal organizations playing a significant role in these activities.
Weak Governance and Corruption
- Poor governance and corruption have created an environment conducive to financial crime
- Government officials often collude with criminal networks
- Law enforcement officials accept bribes to ignore drug trafficking or participate in criminal activities
The Comorian judicial system is under-resourced and heavily influenced by the executive, making it difficult for citizens to access justice. Corruption is rampant among law enforcement officials, who often accept bribes to ignore drug trafficking or participate in criminal activities.
Economic Regulatory Environment
- Weak economy with a significant informal sector
- Lack of capacity to effectively collect taxes
- Profitable illicit activities, including child labor and trafficking
The country’s economic regulatory environment is also weak, with a lack of capacity to effectively collect taxes and a significant informal sector. This has contributed to profitable illicit activities, including child labor and trafficking.
Human Trafficking and Smuggling
- International criminal organizations play a significant role in human smuggling
- Limited care services and shelters for victims
- Rehabilitation initiatives for drug users are often privately funded and lack necessary resources
The country’s government efforts to support and protect victims of human trafficking are inadequate, with limited care services and shelters in place. Rehabilitation initiatives for drug users are often privately funded and lack necessary resources.
Threats to Civil Society
- Authorities restrict civil society activities
- Repress opposition demonstrations
- NGOs face bureaucratic obstacles and underfunding
- Workers face repression
In a statement, the Comorian government acknowledged the challenges facing the country but failed to provide concrete solutions or timelines for addressing these issues. The country’s civil society is also under threat, with authorities restricting their activities and repressing opposition demonstrations. NGOs face bureaucratic obstacles and underfunding, and their workers are reported to face repression.