By Horn Africa News
MOGADISHU – Somalia has faced one of its most significant illegal drug busts of the year 2025, highlighting growing concerns over the trafficking of narcotics into the country.
Authorities conducted three major operations this year, seizing thousands of packages and hundreds of cartons of illegal drugs smuggled into Somalia.
Key Operations:
- August 8, 2025: 189 packages of illegal drugs and pills were confiscated at Mogadishu’s Aden Adde International Airport.
- August 23, 2025: 48 barrels (2,496 packages) and 6 cartons of drugs were seized, again at Aden Adde Airport.
- August 24–25, 2025: The Port of Mogadishu intercepted containers containing:
- 17 cartons of illegal “Bilig Bilig” pills
- 112 cartons of Tramadol
- 120 cartons of Codeine syrup
Risks of the Seized Substances:
- Tramadol: A painkiller which, when misused, can lead to addiction and heart damage.
- Codeine Syrup: Often abused as a narcotic, potentially causing unconsciousness and mental harm.
- Bilig Bilig Pills: Highly dangerous illegal pills, particularly threatening to youth health.
Overall Impact for August 2025:
- 2,685 packages of illegal drugs seized
- 255 cartons of various drugs intercepted
What This Means:
The seizures send a clear warning to both the public and authorities:
- International networks are attempting to use Somalia as a drug trafficking hub.
- Somali youth are particularly vulnerable to substance abuse.
- Stronger monitoring of airports and ports, along with strict legal measures, is urgently needed.
