In response to the growing illicit drug trade in West Africa, the Malian government launched a nationwide operation, seizing more than 35 tons of counterfeit medicines in one of the country’s largest operations to date.
The operation, dubbed “Forajokokili,” was conducted by the Malian Central Narcotics Bureau from February 18 to 27, 2025. Authorities arrested four people linked to the illicit trade, which continues to pose serious health risks to consumers.
The products seized included antibiotics, malaria treatments, painkillers, tuberculosis medications, and sexual enhancement drugs, many of which were manufactured under questionable conditions and without proper quality controls. Health experts warn that such counterfeit medicines are endangering public safety because they often contain incorrect dosages or toxic substances.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are approximately 100,000 deaths each year in Africa due to the consumption of counterfeit medicines, with the most vulnerable populations (those with limited access to formal pharmacies) being disproportionately affected.
Operation Forajokokili focused on two major trafficking hubs: Kayes and Douentza. Located close to the Senegalese border, Kayes has become a hub for trafficking activity, acting as a major transit point for the trade. Located at a key intersection of northern and southern trade routes, Douentza suffers from security instability that facilitates the growth of criminal networks.
Several factors contribute to the increase in the smuggling of counterfeit medicines in these regions. Limited access to affordable, high-quality medicines pushes people to cheaper but unsafe alternatives. Weak border controls and resource constraints further enable large-scale smuggling, while organized crime networks exploit these vulnerabilities, sometimes in collaboration with actors in the pharmaceutical industry.
Malian authorities are working with international partners to implement stricter regulations and monitoring mechanisms to combat this growing threat. But experts stress that effectively combating the smuggling of counterfeit medicines will require more funding and stronger regional cooperation.