Cocaine Cartels Thrive in Mali’s Lawless Desert
Despite a lack of transparency, cocaine trafficking networks in Mali have developed an impressive ability to allocate incentives and distribute risk according to the region’s political, economic, and security realities.
The Colombian Model
In Colombia, wholesalers profit from moving narcotics without relying on end-consumers in destination markets. Their earnings come from participating in a small portion of the system, often ending once the drugs reach Africa. From there, a complex web of interests determines whether the cocaine ends up in Europe or Asia.
The Malian Route
Similarly, traffickers in Mali make profits by moving drugs through the desert, using modified Toyota 4x4s and GPS equipment to navigate remote areas. With the right vehicle, much of the terrain is easily traversable, but the journey remains dangerous, requiring planning, know-how, and local knowledge.
A Recent Incident
A recent incident involving a Boeing 727 discovered in Gao, dubbed “Air Cocaine,” drew international attention when it was found carrying 11 tons of cocaine. However, investigators believe this may have been a one-off incident for northern Mali.
Smuggling Routes
Once narcotics enter the region, they are smuggled into commercial hubs like Gao and loaded into trucks hidden among licit goods. There are two broad flows through northern Mali that describe the most frequently used routes:
- Short Trajectory: Moving drugs across the desert in small convoys of modified vehicles
- Long Trajectory: Smuggling drugs into commercial hubs before being transported to other regions
Law Enforcement Challenges
Law enforcement agencies are struggling to keep up with the traffickers, who have developed sophisticated networks and contacts required to navigate checkpoints, borders, and community hubs. The lack of transparency in these operations makes it difficult for authorities to track and disrupt their activities.
Impact on Local Communities and Security
As the cocaine cartels continue to thrive in Mali’s lawless desert, concerns grow about the impact on local communities and the region’s security. Efforts are underway to combat this illegal activity, but it remains a significant challenge in the region.