Migrant smuggling: 17 smugglers arrested and 114 candidates rescued
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Senego
Senegal’s National Division for Combating Migrant Smuggling arrested 17 smugglers and assisted 114 people seeking irregular migration in three operations in Senegal. The operations took place notably on 4 November in Thiobon and in late October in Kafountine and Joal-Fadiouth, according to Senegalese police.
The National Division for Combating Migrant Smuggling and Related Practices arrested 17 smugglers and assisted 114 people seeking irregular migration in three operations carried out by its regional branch in Ziguinchor, according to Senegalese police.
The latest operation, carried out on 4 November in Thiobon with the Bignona police station, led to the arrest of six suspects and the discovery of 114 migrants of several nationalities hiding in a forest with food and fuel. A first operation led to the arrest of six people linked to a plan to leave for Spain involving around 175 candidates, while a third, in Kafountine and Joal-Fadiouth, resulted in the arrest of five people, including three captains and two organisers.
Police said candidates in the first operation had paid between 400,000 and 500,000 CFA francs. A stolen pirogue and another boat were seized, along with fuel and food, while investigations are continuing to identify other branches of the networks.
