Nampula: Does insecurity in the coastal areas of Nampula open up space for more drug trafficking?

 

The coastal region of Mozambique, particularly in Nampula and Cabo Delgado, has long been a drug corridor, with no doubt about it.

Insecurity in the coastal areas of Nampula province, especially in the districts of Mugincual, Liupo, and Angoche, has raised concerns, particularly due to recent events.

This situation has facilitated unusual movements of some boats in the Sangaji-Angoche area.

There is information suggesting that, in recent days, there has been an increase in the circulation of drugs coming from certain boats, which transport the product and allegedly distribute it to clients using small fishing boats involved in these illegal activities.

The lack of adequate patrolling by maritime authorities, such as the police, maritime administration, and fisheries inspectors, has allowed opportunists to use coastal areas like Quinga, Sangaji, and Mugincual to carry out their clandestine operations.

These individuals use small boats to approach the larger ones and possibly transport the drugs. The product is then removed from these areas using motorcycles at night, in coordination with some local institution leaders.

Information sources indicate that the most common drugs circulating in these areas are hashish and cocaine, in addition to other substances whose names are unspecified.

In addition to drug trafficking, fishermen are also involved in the illegal exploitation of prohibited marine species, such as sharks, turtles, whales, and others, as banned by maritime authorities. This situation further exacerbates the insecurity and illegality in the coastal areas of Nampula province. (BP)