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Cameroon’s Far North Region has become a hotspot for drug trafficking, exacerbating insecurity and social challenges. Following the 2023 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Cameroon’s public health ministry identified the Far North as one of the top three regions with the highest drug use, alongside the North West and South West regions.
The situation has worsened dramatically in recent years. In 2021, the Far North accounted for 43% of new drug users, a sharp rise from 10% in 2017. This trend fuels various forms of insecurity, including Boko Haram insurgency, urban crime, and kidnappings. These issues further drive the drug trade, creating a vicious cycle of violence and narcotics proliferation.
Boko Haram’s Role in Drug Trafficking
The Boko Haram conflict has led to an influx of drugs in the Far North, as insurgents use narcotics to fuel violence and control territories. This has resulted in a thriving illicit drug economy involving traffickers, consumers, and distributors. Law enforcement recorded at least ten major drug seizures in the region from 2022 to 2024, including over five tonnes of cannabis worth approximately 1 billion FCFA. In one case, a large quantity of cannabis and tramadol was seized in Garoua in November 2023, highlighting the growing scale of the problem.
Drugs such as tramadol, originating from India and smuggled through northern Nigeria, dominate the black market in the Far North. Cocaine and heroin also flow into the region via the Douala-N’Djamena corridor, with the Bénoué River serving as a major transit route for traffickers.
Rising Urban Crime and Kidnappings
Drug proliferation is linked to rising crime rates in urban centres like Garoua and Maroua, where criminal gangs under the influence commit violent crimes such as armed robbery and targeted assassinations. In rural areas, drugs are used by kidnappers to increase their aggression toward hostages, leading to brutal acts of violence.
Urgent Need for Action
Despite efforts by authorities, the current control systems remain weak. The 1997 anti-drug law, which prescribes heavy penalties for trafficking, is poorly enforced. The recently introduced 2024–2030 national strategy lacks a focused approach to dismantling drug networks.
Experts suggest the establishment of a joint mobile anti-drug unit comprising police, customs, and gendarmerie personnel. This unit should monitor key routes like the Douala-N’Djamena corridor and collaborate with local vigilance committees for intelligence gathering. Community policing initiatives could also foster trust between residents and law enforcement, making it easier to combat drug-related challenges.
Without robust measures, the Far North faces prolonged security and health crises, threatening the well-being of its population and the stability of the region.
