The Kédougou Regional Customs Subdivision, in collaboration with the 34th Battalion, conducted a large-scale sweep operation from May 16 to 18, 2026, throughout the region, as part of strengthening the fight against illicit trafficking in southeastern Senegal.

Dubbed OP'S 05/2026/SDK/BAT34, this large-scale mission, conducted under the authority of Commander Baye Diamé Diakhaté, head of the Kédougou Customs Subdivision, mobilized significant human and logistical resources to dismantle several networks operating in the clandestine transport of prohibited products, particularly those destined for clandestine gold mining sites known locally as "dioura".

Three days of intensive operations across the entire regional territory

The operations began on May 16 with an initial phase covering the Guémédji-Boto-Fadougou axis, where teams carried out thorough checks and targeted operations against smuggling networks.

The following day, the units concentrated their efforts on the department of Saraya, particularly in the areas of Douta, Sambrambougou and Tinkoto, considered sensitive sectors in terms of the fraudulent circulation of substances and materials intended for illegal mining.

The third and final day led Customs officers and their security partners to the Bantako area, before continuing to Mako to conclude the operation in the regional capital, Kédougou.

More than 1.5 tons of cyanide seized

The results of this offensive are particularly significant. The forces involved seized more than 1,500 kilograms of cyanide, a highly toxic product frequently used in the clandestine processing of gold, as well as 245 cans of fuel, sulfuric acid, zinc and various chemicals.

The seizures also include several pieces of operating equipment, including generators, motor pumps, jackhammers, as well as dozens of motorcycles smuggled into the country.

A rise in security measures in the southeast

This operation illustrates the customs administration's firm commitment to strengthening its operational presence in the Kédougou region, in synergy with the other Defense and Security Forces (FDS), in the face of the resurgence of cross-border trafficking and the dangers linked to illegal gold mining.

Through this operation, the authorities intend not only to dismantle criminal networks, but also to protect the environment and the population from the health and safety consequences of the illegal use of particularly dangerous chemical substances.