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Somali police have announced a major drug bust at Mogadishu’s main seaport after seizing two shipping containers filled with narcotics. Authorities say the discovery is part of an intensified campaign against drug trafficking networks that have increasingly targeted the country.
Police spokesperson Abdifatah Adan Hassan told journalists on Sunday that the containers carried large amounts of banned substances, including Tramadol, codeine syrup, and a pill commonly known in Somalia as Bilig bilig. According to officials, these drugs are among the most abused substances by Somali youth, posing a serious threat to public health and security.
“The narcotics we seized contained 17 cartons of the pill Bilig bilig, 112 cartons of Tramadol, and 120 cartons of codeine syrup,” Abdifatah said. “These are highly dangerous drugs that destroy the future of our young people. We are determined to stop their entry into the country.”
Rising Concerns Over Drug Abuse
Somalia has faced growing challenges with drug addiction, particularly among its young population. Many of the substances, such as Tramadol and codeine, are prescription drugs in other countries but are often smuggled illegally into Somalia and sold on the streets without regulation.
Medical experts warn that abuse of these drugs can lead to severe health complications, including organ failure, mental health disorders, and in many cases, death. Tramadol, for example, is an opioid painkiller that can cause dependency if misused, while codeine syrup is often consumed recreationally, leading to addiction and long-term health damage.
Community leaders have also raised alarms, saying that drug abuse not only endangers health but also fuels crime, unemployment, and insecurity in Somali society. Many parents complain that their children are falling into addiction at a young age, with little access to rehabilitation or counseling services.
Authorities Pledge Tough Action
Police say investigations are now underway to track down those responsible for importing the narcotics. While officials did not disclose the origin of the shipment, they confirmed that strict measures will be taken against individuals or groups linked to the smuggling attempt.
Abdifatah emphasized that the government views the fight against drug trafficking as a national priority. “We will not tolerate those who try to poison our people for profit,” he said. “Anyone found to be involved in this illegal trade will face the full force of the law.”
The port seizure came just a day after security forces at Aden Adde International Airport intercepted 48 sacks of narcotics that were being smuggled into the country. The two operations, carried out within 24 hours, highlight the scale of the problem and the determination of authorities to dismantle the networks behind it.
A Continuing Battle
Drug trafficking into Somalia has been on the rise in recent years, with traffickers exploiting the country’s busy ports and airports as entry points. The lucrative nature of the trade has made it difficult to stamp out completely, but security agencies insist they are making progress.
The Somali government, alongside international partners, has been working to strengthen border controls, improve intelligence sharing, and tighten checks at key entry points. Officials say these efforts have already led to several major seizures and arrests.
Despite these successes, the problem remains serious. Experts argue that enforcement alone will not solve the issue. They stress the need for broader solutions, including public awareness campaigns, treatment programs for addicts, and economic opportunities for young people who are often most vulnerable to drug abuse.
Community Role in the Fight
Civil society organizations and religious leaders are also playing an important role in the campaign against narcotics. Mosques, schools, and community groups have launched initiatives to warn young people about the dangers of drug use and to encourage families to speak openly about addiction.
In many neighborhoods of Mogadishu, parents and community elders have begun forming local committees to monitor and report suspicious activities. Their efforts, combined with police crackdowns, are helping to raise awareness and create a united front against the spread of narcotics.
Looking Ahead
The recent seizure at Mogadishu port has been welcomed as a significant victory in the fight against drug smuggling. While challenges remain, authorities say the operation demonstrates their commitment to protecting Somali society from the dangers of narcotics.
For now, the containers seized will be held as evidence as police continue investigations. Officials have assured the public that anyone found guilty of being involved in the shipment will face harsh penalties.
The government hopes that these latest actions will send a strong warning to traffickers: Somalia is no longer a safe destination for their illegal trade.