INTERPOL’s Operation Sanu targeted illegal mining in Burkina Faso, the Gambia, Guinea, and Senegal, resulting in 200 arrests and the seizure of significant materials. The operation revealed severe health impacts from toxic mining chemicals and highlighted environmental damage caused by illegal mining practices, including deforestation and altered river flows. This initiative represents a critical effort in the fight against illegal mining in Western Africa.
In a significant crackdown on illegal mining, INTERPOL’s Operation Sanu, conducted from July to October 2024, resulted in the arrest of 200 individuals across Burkina Faso, the Gambia, Guinea, and Senegal. This multi-national operation united INTERPOL experts and national law enforcement agencies to target illegal mining activities, employing hundreds of officers to identify criminal networks and operations in remote regions of these countries.
Operation Sanu underscores the severe human and environmental repercussions of illegal mining, reinforcing the necessity for international cooperation in law enforcement. The operation not only led to arrests and significant seizures but also highlighted the urgent need to address the broader ecological and societal impacts of mining activities. INTERPOL’s collaborative efforts are essential for safeguarding both communities and the environment from the dangers posed by transnational criminal enterprises.
Original Source: www.interpol.int
