Malian Customs Seize Over Six Tons of Cyanide in Two Months, Prompting Investigation into Supply Chains
Malian customs authorities have seized a total of 6.1 tons of cyanide in two separate operations over the past two months. The most recent seizure occurred on August 22, when the Mobile Intervention Brigade of Customs discovered 1,100 kilograms of cyanide in 22 bags in Badalabougou. This followed a larger seizure on June 22 in Sécoro, in the Ségou region, where customs officers found approximately five tons of cyanide hidden in a vehicle under dried fish cartons and carpet packages. These interceptions highlight an ongoing issue with the illicit trafficking of cyanide in Mali. While cyanide has legitimate industrial uses, particularly in gold ore processing, its importation, transport, storage, and use are subject to strict regulations and require authorization from the Mines or Health services in Mali. The current investigations aim to trace the supply networks and identify the recipients of these large quantities of the hazardous substance. 
