Guinea-Bissau Police Seize Record 2.63 Tonnes of Cocaine on Plane from Venezuela

In a landmark operation, authorities in Guinea-Bissau have confiscated 2.63 tonnes of cocaine from a plane that landed at the capital’s international airport. The aircraft, originating from Venezuela, was intercepted during what officials dubbed “Operation Landing”, marking one of the largest drug seizures in the country’s history.

The raid was conducted in close cooperation with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Maritime Analysis and Operations Centre–Narcotics (MAOC-N), a European anti-narcotics organisation. Guinea-Bissau’s police reported that 78 bales of cocaine were discovered aboard the plane, which is reported to have been registered in Mexico.

All five crew members were immediately detained, including two Mexicans, one Colombian, one Ecuadorian, and one Brazilian. The suspects are expected to appear in court for interrogation, with authorities focusing on dismantling the wider drug trafficking network linked to the incident.

Guinea-Bissau, a small West African country, has long been a key transit point in global drug trafficking, particularly for narcotics destined for Europe. The country’s political instability, marked by nine coups since independence from Portugal in 1974, has contributed to weak state institutions, making it vulnerable to exploitation by international drug cartels. This situation has led the United Nations to label Guinea-Bissau a “narco-state”.

Despite the challenges, the successful outcome of Operation Landing reflects ongoing efforts by both local and international authorities to curb drug trafficking in the region. This latest seizure is part of a broader crackdown aimed at reducing the influence of drug barons and dismantling trafficking networks that have long plagued the country.

Cocaine remains one of the most widely trafficked drugs worldwide, with approximately 23 million users, according to the 2024 U.N. World Drug Report. West Africa, including Guinea-Bissau, continues to serve as a strategic transit hub for smuggling cocaine from South America to Europe. The significant volume of drugs seized over the weekend underscores the scale of the illicit trade passing through the region.

The success of this operation sends a strong message about Guinea-Bissau’s commitment to tackling the drug trade, despite the country’s historical challenges. Local authorities, with international support, are working tirelessly to confront and dismantle these powerful trafficking networks.