Local Production on the Islands: Synthetic Drugs Continue to Threaten Comoros

Despite efforts to crack down on drug trafficking, synthetic drugs remain a significant problem in the Comoros. The island nation has seen an increase in the production and smuggling of synthetic cannabis, which is the most consumed synthetic drug in the country.

Sources of Precursor Chemicals

Most of the precursor chemicals used to produce these drugs come from China via Mayotte, a French department that is also a key transshipment point for illegal goods.
The Comoros’ poor internet connectivity and low digitization have also made it vulnerable to cybercrime. While there have been no reports of sophisticated cyber-attacks in the country, Comorian citizens have been targeted by international criminal organizations outside of the country.

Financial Crimes on the Rise

Corruption is rampant in the Comoros, with government officials facilitating criminal activities and embezzling public funds. Digital scams are also on the rise, involving identity theft and fraud to collect money.

Factors Contributing to Financial Crime

Weak governance and lack of effective law enforcement have created an environment conducive to financial crime.
The government has shown little effort to combat corruption, and petty corruption is common at all state levels.

Criminal Networks Thrive

Organized crime groups are active in the Comoros, with some even colluding with state actors. These groups are involved in a range of criminal activities, including:

Drug trafficking
Human smuggling
Fishing and mining industry fraud

Factors Enabling Criminal Activity

Porous borders and limited maritime surveillance make it easy for illegal goods to enter the country.
Lack of accountability within police ranks and the military contributes to widespread human rights abuses.

Economic Challenges

The Comoros faces significant economic challenges, including:

High inflation
Poverty
Malnutrition

Underlying Issues

These challenges create an environment in which illicit activities like child labor and trafficking can thrive.
The government has implemented some measures to improve transparency and tax collection, but more needs to be done to address these underlying issues.

Despite efforts to support victims of human trafficking, the Comoros’ response remains inadequate. Rehabilitation initiatives for drug users are also limited due to a lack of resources.

Challenges Facing Civil Society

The government has adopted an anti-trafficking national action plan, but officials lack training and resources to conduct prevention activities.
Inspectors investigating child labor have not reported on removals or assistance to children during inspections.
Civil society is under attack, with authorities restricting civic engagement and repressing opposition demonstrations.
NGOs face bureaucratic obstacles and underfunding, and their workers are targeted by the state. Journalism is also under threat, with journalists harassed for their content and reporting.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Comoros faces significant challenges in combating drug trafficking, financial crime, and organized crime. The government must take concrete steps to address these issues and protect its citizens from exploitation and abuse.